Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), also known as venereal diseases, are contagious infections that spread through unprotected sex. Since many STDs initially show no symptoms, people may unknowingly pass them on to others. Understanding common STDs, their symptoms, risks, and treatment options is essential for prevention and management.

STDs
What is an STD?
An STD is a disease contracted through unprotected sexual contact. The pathogens responsible for these diseases—bacteria, parasites, or viruses—can be present in bodily fluids like semen, vaginal fluid, blood, and can also be found on mucous membranes or the skin. STDs spread during sexual activities, including intercourse without a condom.
While STD stands for "sexually transmitted disease," the term STI ("sexually transmitted infection") is also used to describe infections that have not yet developed into diseases but still pose serious health risks if untreated. Regular testing is crucial for all sexually active individuals.
Common STDs
STDs are widespread, particularly among people with multiple sexual partners or those under 25. Below are some of the most common STDs:
- Chlamydia: Caused by the Chlamydia trachomatis bacterium, it can infect the urethra, cervix, rectum, or throat.
- Gonorrhea: Triggered by the Neisseria gonorrhoeae bacterium, it leads to inflammation in the genitals, anus, or throat.
- Genital Warts: These are caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV) and appear around the genital and anal areas.
- Syphilis: A bacterial infection starting with sores on the genitals, caused by Treponema pallidum.
- Trichomoniasis: This parasitic infection affects the vagina, urethra, and bladder.
- Genital Herpes: Caused by the herpes simplex virus, which remains in the body and can flare up due to factors like stress or a weakened immune system.
- HIV: The human immunodeficiency virus weakens the immune system and can develop into AIDS if left untreated. It spreads through unprotected sex or contact with contaminated blood.
- Genital Infections: These include yeast or fungal infections, such as candida, which are more common in women.
Symptoms of STDs
STDs often show no symptoms initially, which makes regular testing important. Symptoms can vary based on the infection, and may differ between men and women. Here are some common signs:
In men:
- Pain or burning during urination
- Discharge from the urethra
- Itching, sores, or warts on the genitals or anus
- Pain in the scrotum
In women:
- Pain or burning during urination
- Unusual vaginal discharge
- Itching, sores, or warts around the genital area
- Vaginal bleeding after intercourse or between periods
- Pain in the lower abdomen
STD Testing
Since many STDs are asymptomatic, regular testing is crucial, especially after unprotected sex. Tests can be performed by a doctor or using self-test kits. It's important to test if you suspect an infection or have been informed of an STD by a partner, even if you used protection.
Consider the incubation period
It can take a few weeks for an STD to show up in test results. Testing too early may yield unreliable outcomes, so follow the recommended incubation time for the specific STD.
Treating STDs with medication
Untreated STDs can cause long-term health complications, such as reduced fertility (from chlamydia) or severe organ damage (from syphilis). Early diagnosis and treatment with antibiotics or antiviral drugs can effectively cure or manage most STDs.
Common treatments include:
- Antibiotics: For bacterial infections like chlamydia and syphilis (e.g., azithromycin, doxycycline).
- Antiviral medications: For viral infections such as genital herpes (e.g., acyclovir) and HIV.
- Antifungal treatments: For fungal infections like candida (e.g., fluconazole).
Important considerations for treatment
- Inform sexual partners about an infection to prevent further spread.
- Avoid sexual activity until treatment is complete and you are no longer contagious.
- Use condoms consistently to reduce the risk of reinfection.
For further guidance
If you have questions about STDs, testing, or treatment, a doctor or pharmacist can provide the necessary information.
Great quick and helpful service very…
Great quick and helpful service very happy
Very fast and efficient service and…
Very fast and efficient service and good advice
Simple straightforward medication request process
From filling in the online consultation form through to receiving the medication was simple and straightforward The whole process is professional and efficient with medication delivered within days and then I received a follow up email from the prescribing doctor to ensure everything was ok and if I had any questions Much prefer to use Doctoronline than the terrible process of my nhs doctors
An excellent service all round
An excellent service all round. Cannot fault it.
Highly recommend
Allways use as its do easy and professional
Product was excellent and the time…
Product was excellent and the time frame it arrived was outstanding
Perfect experience
Perfect experience
Professional
Doctor online is the only company I trust for medication online. Its a genuine company so you know that you're receiving genuine products.
Professional and efficient process.
Professional and efficient process.
Good clear advice when ordering…
Good clear advice when ordering medication and fast delivery.
an excellent service from…
an excellent service from Doctoronline,my prescription was dealt with and delivered very quickly
Great service and care
Great service and care! Thank you
Fast delivery option of tracking…
Fast delivery option of tracking product and most of all product is excellent quality really recommend anyone to visit doctoroline
Online prescription
Been using the service for a few years now .easy to order . Very reliable .
Very good service good Dr
Very good service good Dr. and good pharmacy all the best
Fast efficient service with great…
Fast efficient service with great aftercare.
The service is excellent product is…
The service is excellent product is excellent and the process is efficient really pleased
Excellent service
Excellent service-thanks
Very good experience ordering
Very good experience ordering
I cannot believe that I've found the…
I cannot believe that I've found the cream that heals my hand eczema which I was struggling for years to remove it. Thank you doctoronline