STD stands for sexually transmitted disease. These are the type of diseases that you can only get through sexual interaction. Most common examples of this disease are gonorrhea, syphilis, Chlamydia infection, genital herpes, hepatitis A and B and AIDS or Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome.

People who have many sexual partners have higher chance of acquiring STD. The bacteria, fungi or virus that carries this disease transfers from one person to the next through bodily fluids. This means that even oral and anal sex can also be a means to transfer STDs. Abstinence is the best way to go if you do not want to be infected with STD. You can also limit your sex partner and make sure that his or her sexual history is known to you as well. Among all the STDs, only hepatitis A and B can be prevented through vaccination so people who are sexually active should take extra precaution. Condom is a popular protection but if it is used incorrectly, there is still a chance you can get STD.

Symptoms of STD

If you are embarrassed to be tested, which should not be the case because it is a mature decision to make; you should at least know the symptoms of STD so that in the early stage, you can be treated immediately. Both men and women will experience sore, bumps or blisters surrounding the genitals, anus or mouth, depending on what sexual position you were infected. Urinating will also become a problem since you will experience an itching or burning sensation. There will be an itching, unusual odor and unusual discharge from the penis, vagina or anus. For women, there can be aches in the lower abdomen and the vagina can bleed even if it is not yet time for menstrual period.

Signs of STDs

You should also know the signs of STDs so you can determine of your partner has it or not. The best way to know this is really through testing in the clinic because some STDs so not show signs or symptoms in the body. The person may be looking as healthy as he or she could but inside, a disease might already be forming or getting worse.

Visual signs of STDs include sore and rashes on the genitals, anus and even on around the mouth. If you are feeling pain during urination or your partner is, then both of you should be tested for STD. Weight loss is also one of the signs of STDs.

STD Treatments

You would not know which of the STD treatments is right for you if you would not be tested for STD and consult a doctor. For the herpes disease there is still no known cure. However, the frequency and the amount of outbreaks can be reduced though antiviral medications. There is an anti-retroviral medication regimen you can undergo for HIV/AIDS but it can only slow down the growth of the virus so you can live up to 20 years more. For gonorrhea, syphilis and Chlamydia, there are antibiotics that can cure these.