Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are majorly passed from one person to the other through sexual contact. The contact is usually but not limited to vaginal, anal, or oral sex. This is because STDs like herpes and HPV can be spread through skin-to-skin contact. Although most STDs can affect anyone regardless of their sexual orientation and hygiene standards, their effects are more severe in women. Most STDs usually cause no symptoms, so you should talk to your doctor about your risk of STDs and whether you need to be tested. Healthcare providers recommend STD treatment New York to eliminate or manage symptoms and prevent complications. Below are common STDs, how to avoid them, and when to seek help.

Genital herpes

Genital herpes is a common infection caused by the herpes simplex virus; it can affect the skin, genitals, cervix, and other body parts.HSV-1 affects the mouth and can spread through saliva or a herpes-related sore around someone’s mouth. The viral infection can also pass to the genital area during oral sex.

HSV-2 usually affects the genital area, anal area, and mouth and can be transmitted through oral, vaginal, or anal sex. You cannot get the virus from sharing toilet seats, swimming pools, bedding, or soap. However, you can contract the disease when you touch another part of your body after touching the affected body part. Once you acquire the virus, it stays in your body, and you will likely not have symptoms. Although many people with the virus experience no signs, some may have blistered around their mouth, anus, or genital area. When these blisters pop, they cause a painful sore that may take a week or longer to heal.

The first bout usually results in severe symptoms. For example, people with a compromised immune system due to HIV are more likely to experience severe symptoms. You may never know the virus, but you can easily spread it to others. Currently, there is no cure for herpes, but daily antiviral medications can help alleviate symptoms and prevent the spread of herpes.

Chlamydia

Chlamydia is a common infection that can spread through vaginal, anal, or oral sex and can also spread to a baby during childbirth. It usually causes no symptoms, but it can cause infertility and other complications when left untreated. However, this infection is easy to cure with early treatment. If symptoms are present, they may include burning pain during urination and abnormal vaginal discharge. Chlamydia can affect the rectum due to anal sex or spreading from another body area. In such cases, a person may have pain, bleeding, and discharge in the rectum.

HIV

HIV attacks the immune system, affecting your body’s ability to fight off infections. It has other modes of transmission besides sexual intercourse. For example, one can contract the virus by sharing needles and other sharp equipment with an infected person. There is no cure for HIV, but treatment can help reduce viral load to an undetectable level. That means the amount of virus in the blood is so small to be detected through tests and can’t spread to other people.

For further inquiries about STDs, consult your doctor at Michael Rotman, MD.