A sexually transmitted disease (STD) refers to a disease or infection that is transmitted through unprotected sexual contact. STDs are usually caused by different types of microorganisms that have been known to survive on mucus membranes of the body, like the genital areas. Sexually transmitted diseases can also be transferred via bodily fluids. In some cases, the microorganisms can survive on the skin. The most common sexually transmitted diseases include AIDS, genital warts, gonorrhea, genital herpes, hepatitis and syphilis. These conditions can also be referred to as venereal diseases or morbus venerus. The most efficient way to prevent transmissions of such conditions is by practicing protected sex during vaginal and anal intercourse or oral sex.
More About Sexually Transmitted Disease
The genital areas provide ideal conditions for microorganisms to breed, due to the warm and moist environment. Contrary to popular belief, contraceptives, such as birth control pills and diaphragms, only prevent pregnancy, not sexually transmitted diseases.
These conditions affect both men and women, regardless of their age and overall health. The World Health Organization has registered over twenty forms of sexually transmitted diseases, with the most popular ones being HIV/AIDS, trichomoniasis, syphilis, genital herpes, gonorrhea, chalmydia and various strains of human papillomavirus.
These conditions can present under a variety of symptoms. These symptoms include discharge from the vagina or penis, itching around the genital areas, pain during urinating or after intercourse, pain around the anus, scabs around the genital areas and chancre sores on the tongue, mouth, throat, anus, vagina and penis. Other general symptoms include swollen lymph nodes, weakness, muscular and body aches.
Some sexually-transmitted diseases, like AIDS, compromise the patient’s immune system as well. For example, individuals who suffer from HIV often suffer from tiredness, recurrent infections, weight loss, and night sweats.
