Sexually Transmitted Diseases You Need to Know About

If you're sexually active, it pays to be well informed regarding sexually transmitted diseases and how they're transmitted. Have you contemplated all the options when it comes to contracting sexually transmitted diseases? There are a variety of sexually transmitted diseases you may not have considered. Here are eight sexually transmitted diseases you need to know about:

Gonorhea

This relatively common sexually transmitted disease is spread through both sexual intercourse and oral sex with an infected partner. Symptoms develop within days to weeks of being exposed to the bacteria that causes this infection. Symptoms include vaginal or penile discharge and painful urination. This sexually transmitted disease is treated with an oral antibiotic which is usually curative.

Chlamydia

This infection is caused by a bacteria that's spread through genital or anal intercourse with a person harboring the Chlamydia bacteria. Symptoms include vaginal or penile discharge, painful urination, and vague abdominal pain. Some women harboring this infection have no symptoms. It's thought that even undiagnosed, asymptomatic Chlamydia infections may play a role in infertility in a female which makes treatment even more important in a female of reproductive age. This sexually transmitted disease is treated with an antibiotic which generally cures the infection.

Genital Herpes

This infection is caused by the herpes simplex virus and is spread through sexual intercourse or oral sex. Symptoms usually appear within several days to three weeks after exposure to an infected person. Symptoms include genital itching and burning associated with the formation of characteristic blisters. It's important to note this infection may be transmitted to another person even if the infected person has no symptoms. There is no cure for this sexually transmitted disease, although a drug called Acyclovir may reduce the frequency of symptomatic outbreaks.

HIV (the Aids Virus)