What are the 10 most common STDs?

A STD (sexually transmitted disease) is an infection that transfers between people through sexual contact, including vaginal intercourse, as well as oral or anal sex. Additionally, although representing a low percentage of transmissions, STDs can also be transmitted in nonsexual ways, such as from mother to infant during pregnancy or childbirth, or through blood transfusions or shared needles.

What are the 10 most common STDs?

• Chlamydia
• HIV/AIDs
• Gonorrhea
• HPV 
• Syphilis
• HPV
• Herpes I & II
• Trichomoniasis 
• Mycoplasma genitalium (MG)
• Genital pubic lice (crabs)

Actually, +30 different bacteria can be transmitted through sexual contact, being 8 of these pathogens the ones which are linked to the majority of sexually transmitted diseases. These 8 diseases can be divided between curable (syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia and trichomoniasis), and non-curable diseases (hepatitis B, herpes simplex virus (HSV or herpes), HIV, and human papillomavirus (HPV).

Just in the U.S. the CDC reported in 2018, ~1.8M cases of chlamydia, ~580.000 cases of gonorrhea, and ~35.000 cases of syphilis. Remember, if you suspect that you may have one or more of the diseases listed below, it’s highly important that you reduce the risk of spreading the infection further by getting yourself tested.

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STD Symptoms

STD symptoms can be difficult to spot so it’s important for anyone who is sexually active to have a good understanding of what they are and what they could mean. Let’s run through some of the most common types of STDs, as well as their associated symptoms .

Some of the most common STDs symptoms in females may include: 

• Itchiness 
• Lumps and bumps 
• Changes in vaginal discharge 
• Pain in the affected area

Some of the most common STD symptoms in males may include: 

• Unusual discharge from the penis
• Lumps or bumps on the genital area 
• Sores or ulcers on the genital area 
• Burning or pain during urination 
• Pain in the abdomen 
• Pain during sex
• Pain in the testicles

The STD symptoms you may be experiencing, depend on the type of sexually transmitted disease you have contracted. 

The only way to be sure about whether or not you have an STD is to get tested and examined at a doctor’s office or health clinic.

Many STDs don’t have obvious symptoms. Lots of people don’t even know they have an STD until their doctor discovers it.

Even with no symptoms, however, you can pass the infection to your sex partners. So it’s important to use protection, such as a condom, during sex. And to perform screening on at least an annual basis.

Which STDs can be asymptomatic?

HPV, Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Herpes, Trichomoniasis

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FAQ

How long does it take for the symptoms of an STD to appear?

STD symptoms usually take 1-3 weeks to appear after an unprotected sexual encounter, however they can appear as soon as four days, or on the other side of the scale, months or years. 

Can I have an STD without knowing it?

The tricky thing about STDs is that you don’t always know that you have one. It’s very possible to have certain STDs and remain symptom-free or have mild symptoms you mistake for another illness. The worst part is, you can still spread the disease even if you aren’t symptomatic. You can have chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, genital herpes, and HPV without showing immediate symptoms.

How do I know if I have an STD?

Since not everyone will experience symptoms, the only way to make sure you are not infected is to receive a negative result from an accurate test. If you experience sores, itching, rash or other symptoms like swelling or pain in the genitals it is advised that you seek testing right away. Many people who are sexually active outside a monogamous relationship opt to have preventative testing done once or more per year on a routine basis just to be on the safe side.