what are stds

 What Are STDs you may ask.

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs),  also known as sexually transmitted infections (STIs), are infections that are passed from one person to another through sexual contact, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex[1][2][3]. They can also be spread through intimate skin-to-skin contact, and in some cases, from mother to baby during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding[1][4][6].

Causes

STDs are caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites. Examples include chlamydia and gonorrhea (bacteria), HIV and herpes (viruses), and trichomoniasis (parasite)

Symptoms

Many STDs do not cause symptoms, so people may not know they are infected[1][2][4][6]. When symptoms do occur, they can include:

- Unusual discharge from the penis or vagina

- Sores, bumps, or warts on the genitals or mouth

- Painful or frequent urination

- Itching or redness in the genital area

- Pain during sex

- Fever or swollen glands[1][2][4][5]

Who Is Affected?

Anyone who is sexually active can get an STD. Young people ages 15 to 24 are at higher risk, but STDs affect all ages and genders.

 Prevention and Treatment

STDs are preventable. Using condoms correctly and getting regular screenings can reduce risk. Many STDs are treatable with medication, but some (like HIV) are not curable and require lifelong management[.

 Key Points

- STDs/STIs are common and often silent (no symptoms).

- They are spread mainly through sexual contact.

- Regular testing and safe sex practices are important for prevention[1][2][6].

Citations:

[1] Sexually Transmitted Infections | STIs | Venereal Disease https://medlineplus.gov/sexuallytransmittedinfections.html

[2] Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) - Cleveland Clinic https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9138-sexually-transmitted-diseases--infections-stds--stis

[3] What Are STDs? | Sexually Transmitted Diseases Information https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/stds-hiv-safer-sex

[4] Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) - Symptoms and causes https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sexually-transmitted-diseases-stds/symptoms-causes/syc-20351240

[5] Sexually Transmitted Diseases (Overview) - Harvard Health https://www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/sexually-transmitted-diseases-overview-a-to-z

[6] About Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) | STI - CDC https://www.cdc.gov/sti/about/index.html

[7] Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/sexually-transmitted-infections-(stis)

[8] Sexually Transmitted Infections: Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment https://www.urologyhealth.org/urology-a-z/s/sexually-transmitted-infections