Overview

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) — or sexually transmitted infections (STIs) — are generally acquired by sexual contact. The bacteria, viruses or parasites that cause sexually transmitted diseases may pass from person to person in blood, semen, or vaginal and other bodily fluids.

Sometimes these infections can be transmitted nonsexually, such as from mothers to their infants during pregnancy or childbirth, or through blood transfusions or shared needles.

STIs don’t always cause symptoms. It’s possible to contract sexually transmitted infections from people who seem perfectly healthy and may not even know they have an infection.

Symptoms

STDs or STIs can have a range of signs and symptoms, including no symptoms. That’s why they may go unnoticed until complications occur or a partner is diagnosed.

Signs and symptoms that might indicate an STI include:

  • Sores or bumps on the genitals or in the oral or rectal area
  • Painful or burning urination
  • Discharge from the penis
  • Unusual or odorous vaginal discharge
  • Unusual vaginal bleeding
  • Pain during sex
  • Sore, swollen lymph nodes, particularly in the groin but sometimes more widespread
  • Lower abdominal pain
  • Fever
  • Rash over the trunk, hands or feet

Signs and symptoms may appear a few days after exposure. However, it may take years before you have any noticeable problems, depending on the organism causing the STI.

When to see a doctor

See a doctor immediately if:

  • You are sexually active and may have been exposed to an STI
  • You have signs and symptoms of an STI

Make an appointment with a doctor:

  • When you’re considering becoming sexually active or when you’re 21 — whichever comes first
  • Before you start having sex with a new partner

Causes

STDs or STIs can be caused by:

  • Bacteria. Gonorrhea, syphilis and chlamydia are examples of STIs that are caused by bacteria.
  • Parasites. Trichomoniasis is an STI caused by a parasite.
  • Viruses. STIs caused by viruses include HPV, genital herpes and HIV.

Other kinds of infections — hepatitis A, B and C viruses, shigella infection and giardia infection — can be spread through sexual activity, but it’s possible to be infected without sexual contact.

Risk factors

Anyone who is sexually active risks some degree of exposure to an STD or STI. Factors that may increase that risk include:

  • Having unprotected sex. Vaginal or anal penetration by an infected partner who isn’t wearing a latex condom significantly increases the risk of getting an STI. Improper or inconsistent use of condoms can also increase risk.

Oral sex may be less risky, but infections can still be transmitted without a latex condom or a dental dam — a thin, square piece of rubber made with latex or silicone.

  • Having sexual contact with multiple partners. The more people you have sexual contact with, the greater your risk.
  • Having a history of STIs. Having one STI makes it much easier for another STI to take hold.
  • Being forced to engage in sexual activity. Dealing with rape or assault is difficult, but it’s important to see a doctor as soon as possible to receive screening, treatment and emotional support.
  • Misuse of alcohol or use of recreational drugs. Substance misuse can inhibit your judgment, making you more willing to participate in risky behaviors.
  • Injecting drugs. Needle sharing spreads many serious infections, including HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C.
  • Being young. Half the new STIs occur in people between the ages of 15 and 24.

Transmission from mothers to infants

Certain STIs — such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, HIV and syphilis — can be passed from mothers to their infants during pregnancy or delivery. STIs in infants can cause serious problems or even death. All pregnant women should be screened for these infections and treated.

Complications

Because many people in the early stages of an STD or STI experience no symptoms, screening for STIs is important to prevent complications.

Possible complications include:

  • Pelvic pain
  • Pregnancy complications
  • Eye inflammation
  • Arthritis
  • Pelvic inflammatory disease
  • Infertility
  • Heart disease
  • Certain cancers, such as HPV-associated cervical and rectal cancers

Prevention

There are several ways to avoid or reduce your risk of STDs or STIs.

  • Abstain. The most effective way to avoid STIs is to not have (abstain from) sex.
  • Stay with one uninfected partner. Another reliable way of avoiding STIs is to stay in a long-term relationship in which both people have sex only with each other and neither partner is infected.
  • Wait and test. Avoid vaginal and anal intercourse with new partners until you have both been tested for STIs. Oral sex is less risky, but use a latex condom or dental dam to prevent skin-to-skin contact between the oral and genital mucous membranes.
  • Get vaccinated. Getting vaccinated early, before sexual exposure, is also effective in preventing certain types of STIs. Vaccines are available to prevent human papillomavirus (HPV), hepatitis A and hepatitis B.
  • Use condoms and dental dams consistently and correctly. Use a new latex condom or dental dam for each sex act, whether oral, vaginal or anal. Never use an oil-based lubricant, such as petroleum jelly, with a latex condom or dental dam.
  • Don’t drink alcohol excessively or use drugs. If you’re under the influence, you’re more likely to take sexual risks.
  • Communicate. Before any serious sexual contact, communicate with your partner about practicing safer sex. Be sure you specifically agree on what activities will and won’t be OK.
  • Consider male circumcision. For men, there’s evidence that circumcision can help reduce the risk of acquiring HIV from a woman with HIV by as much as 60%. Male circumcision may also help prevent transmission of genital HPV and genital herpes.

STD screening

STD screening is essential for sexually active individuals. It detects infections, including asymptomatic ones, through blood, urine, or swab tests. Regular screening is vital to prevent spread, and confidentiality is maintained. Common STDs screened include chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, HIV, herpes, and HPV. Partner notification services may be available. If concerned, seek testing and advice from a healthcare professional.

References

  • Gamoudi D, Flew S, Cusini M, Benardon S, Poder A, Radcliffe K. 2018 European guideline on the organization of a consultation for sexually transmitted infections. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2019 Aug. 33 (8):1452-1458.
  • Christopher, Tanya, Daniel Creamer,  John R, Rosalind C. 2022. Rook’s Dermatology Handbook. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley-Blackwell.
  • American Academy of Dermatology. Skin conditions by the numbers. www.aad.org.
  • Sewon Kang, Masayuki Amagai, Anna L. Bruckner, Alexander H. Enk, David J. Margolis, Amy J. McMichael, Jeffrey S. Orringer.  20019. Fitzpatrick’s Dermatology in General Medicine.

Disclaimer: All contents on this site are for general information and in no circumstances, information be substituted for professional advice from the relevant healthcare professional, Writer does not take responsibility for any damage done by the misuse or use of the information.