STDs are very common. In addition to HIV, there are dozens of other types of sexually transmitted diseases. Often there are no symptoms, at least not at first. Left untreated, STDs can cause serious health issues.
The good news is all STDs, including HIV, are treatable, and many are curable.
While routine testing for many STDs is recommended, that does not mean it always happens as part of a regular checkup or gynecologist exam. To know for sure, ask to be tested.
Scroll on for more about specific STDs, including symptoms, testing and treatment.
A healthcare provider can advise on which STDs you should be tested for and how often. If you don’t have a regular provider, free or low cost STD testing is available in most areas.
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Chlamydia
Chlamydia is one of the most common STDs. There are an estimated 1.7 million new cases a year in the U.S. Many people who have chlamydia do not know it. Often there are no symptoms. Left untreated, chlamydia can cause infertility and pain in both women and men. Once diagnosed, it is easily cured with antibiotics.
Gonorrhea
Gonorrhea is a common STD, especially among teens and people in their 20s. Sometimes called “the clap” or “the drip.” Gonorrhea may not show symptoms. Left untreated, it can cause infertility and pain in both women and men. Once diagnosed, it is easily cured with antibiotics.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a viral infection that can cause liver disease. About half of people with hepatitis B do not experience any symptoms. There is no cure, but a vaccine is available to protect against infection.
Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C is a viral infection that affects the liver. An estimated 2.4 million people are living with hepatitis C in the U.S. Most people do not experience any symptoms. Hepatitis C is cured with prescription medication. Left untreated, it can lead to liver disease, cancer and even death.
Herpes
Herpes is a very common STD. It can cause sores on the genitals and/or mouth. An estimated 1 in 6 people in the U.S. has genital herpes. There is no cure for herpes, but prescription medication can ease symptoms and lower the chances of passing the virus to others. Herpes can be painful, but usually does not lead to serious health problems.
HIV/AIDS
HIV is a virus that attacks the immune system and can lead to AIDS, a clinical diagnoses that indicates an advanced stage of HIV. HIV may not show symptoms initially. Testing is recommended as a part of routine healthcare.
There is no cure for HIV/AIDS, but antiretroviral (ARV) prescription medications allow people with HIV to live normal, healthy lifespans. Consistent ARV use also prevents transmission to others. Left untreated, HIV can lead to death.
HPV
HPV is the most common STD with an estimated 14 million new cases in the U.S. each year. There are more than 200 different types of HPV. Many forms of HPV do not show any symptoms. Some cause genital warts. The HPV vaccine protects against certain types that are associated with genital warts and cervical cancer.
Syphilis
Syphilis is a common STD. It often does not show any symptoms. Left untreated, it can cause permanent damage, like blindness or paralysis. Once diagnosed, it is easily cured with antibiotics.
Trichomoniasis
Trichomoniasis is a very common STD. Sometimes called “trich” for short. There are an estimated 3.7 million people living with trich in the U.S. It often does not show any symptoms. Once diagnosed, it is easily cured with antibiotics. Trich is usually not serious and can be cured in most cases.
Chlamydia
- A bacterial infection
- Often doesn’t have symptoms
- Cured with antibiotics
- Estimated 1.7 million new cases in the U.S. each year
Gonorrhea
- A bacterial infection
- Often doesn’t have symptoms
- Cured with antibiotics
- Estimated 550,000 new cases in the U.S. each year
Hepatitis B
- A viral infection affecting the liver
- Often doesn’t have symptoms
- No cure, but treatable with prescription medication. Vaccine available
- Estimated 20,000 new cases in the U.S. each year
Hepatitis C
- A viral infection affecting the liver
- Often doesn’t have symptoms
- Cured with prescription medication. Left untreated can cause liver disease and death
- Estimated 2.4 million people living with hepatitis C in the U.S.
Herpes
- A virus affecting the mouth and/or genitals
- Can cause blistery sores
- No cure, but outbreaks can be managed with prescription medication
- Estimated 1 in 6 people has genital herpes in the U.S.
HIV/AIDS
- A virus that attacks the immune system
- May not show symptoms initially
- No cure, but treatable with antiretroviral prescription medications that also prevent transmission
- Estimated 1.1 million people living with HIV in the U.S.
HPV
- A virus with 150 different types
- Some types cause genital warts; others, including those associated with cervical cancer, often do not have symptoms
- Vaccine protects against some types that cause genital warts and cancer
- Estimated 14 million new cases in the U.S. each year
Syphilis
- A bacterial infection
- Symptoms can come and go, and may include sores
- Cured with antibiotics
- Left untreated can cause permanent damage
- Estimated 30,000 new cases in the U.S. each year
Trichomoniasis
- A parasitic infection
- Usually no symptoms, but can cause vaginitis that may result in discharge and irritation
- Cured with antibiotics
- Estimated 3.7 million people living with trich in U.S.
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