Sexually Transmitted Diseases STDs: Types, Symptoms, Treatment

Edited By Irshad Anwar | Updated on Jul 14, 2025 11:40 AM IST

Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) are also known as Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs). These diseases spread through sexual contact. They can pass from one person to another during vaginal, oral. STDs are caused by Bacteria, Viruses, or Parasites. These infections can harm reproductive health and cause problems like infertility.

This Story also Contains

STDs Definition
Bacterial STDs
Viral STDs
Parasitic STDs
Fungal STDs
STDs Methods Of Diagnosis
Prevention and Protection of STDs
Recommended Video On 'Sexually Transmitted Diseases STDs'
MCQs on Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)

Sexually Transmitted Diseases STDs

STDs are a serious concern for Reproductive Health. If left untreated, they can lead to infertility, pregnancy complications, and even cancer. Many STDs may show no early symptoms, but regular STD testing is important. Preventing STDs is possible by practicing safe sex, like using contraception, e.g., a condom, and maintaining personal hygiene. These help in a healthy human reproductive system and the overall well-being of an individual.

STDs Definition

Sexually transmitted diseases are infectious diseases, the major portion of which is transferred through sexual contact, be it in the form of vaginal or oral sex. The causative elements are mainly represented by bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi.

Knowledge of STDs is crucial for maintaining reproductive health, preventing infections, and reducing long-term complications of health. Awareness and education will allow subjects to take preventive measures, get timely treatment, and reduce the stigma associated with these diseases.

Bacterial STDs

STDs Caused By Bacteria are infections caused by bacteria that spread through sexual contact. The bacterial genetics help these bacteria to grow and survive inside the human body. Early treatment is important to stop the infection and prevent health problems.

Chlamydia

It is caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis.
Symptoms: Mostly it is asymptomatic, but occasionally, some experience pain in the genital region and swelling, and discharge may occur as well.
Treatment: Antibiotics such as azithromycin or doxycycline.

Gonorrhea

This infection is caused by a bacterium known as Neisseria gonorrhoeae.
Symptoms: Painful urination and discharge that is not normal
Treatment: The antibiotics usually provided to terminate the multiplication of these bacteria are ceftriaxone and azithromycin.

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Syphilis

This sexually transmitted infection is the result of the bacterium Treponema pallidum.
Symptoms: Pain-free sores, rash, fever, and swelling of the lymph nodes
Treatment: Injecting penicillin into the body.

Viral STDs

STDs caused by Viruses are infections caused by viruses that spread through sexual contact. These viruses can stay in the body for a long time and may not show symptoms early. Understanding the nature of viral diseases helps in managing and preventing serious health issues.

HIV/AIDS

Symptoms: Initially flu-like symptoms, then a long asymptomatic period, then AIDS.
Treatment: Antiretroviral therapy.

Herpes Simplex Virus

Virus responsible for genital and oral herpes
Symptoms: Painful blisters or sores on genitals, rectum, or mouth.
Treatment: Antiviral drugs such as acyclovir

Human Papillomavirus

The virus is responsible for genital warts and is associated with cervical cancer
Symptoms: Often asymptomatic, in some cases warts on genital areas
Treatment: Removal of warts, HPV vaccine for prevention

Hepatitis B and C

Viruses that attack the liver.
Symptoms: Jaundice, fatigue, and pain in the abdomen.
Treatment: Antiviral drugs, monitoring of liver.

Parasitic STDs

Parasitic STDs are infections caused by parasites that spread through sexual contact. These parasites live on or inside the human body and cause irritation and discomfort. Proper medication can easily treat these infections. The common parasitic STDs are:

Trichomoniasis

Caused by a parasite Trichomonas vaginalis.
Symptoms: Itching, burning, redness or soreness of the genitals.
Treatment: Antibiotics like metronidazole

Fungal STDs

Fungal STDs are infections caused by kingdom fungi that spread through sexual contact or imbalance in the body. The most common is Candidiasis, caused by Candida species. It can be treated with antifungal medicines.

Candidiasis (Yeast Infection)

Caused by the fungus Candida species
Symptoms: Vaginal itching (or pruritus) and irritation and discharge from the vagina
Treatment: Antifungal drugs, e.g., fluconazole.

STDs Methods Of Diagnosis

STDs can be identified through various diagnostic methods. Early diagnosis helps in proper treatment and prevents complications. Doctors use physical checks, lab tests, and sometimes imaging to confirm the infection.

Physical examination: Physical inspection of sores rashes or discharge in the genital area.
Laboratory Tests: Blood tests, Urine tests, and Swabs of the genital area.
Imaging tests: Ultrasound for complications, especially in PID.

Prevention and Protection of STDs

STDs can be prevented by following safe practices and getting vaccinated. Being aware and careful helps reduce the risk of infection. Regular health checkups are also important for early detection.

Preventing STIs includes safe practices, vaccinations, and education.
Safe Sex Practices
Use of condoms: Reduces the risk of transmission.
Regular testing and screenings: Early detection and treatment.
HPV vaccine: Prevents HPV-related diseases.
Hepatitis B vaccine: Against the hepatitis B virus.

MCQs on Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)

Question: Which of the following is correct about HIV, hepatitis B, gonorrhea, and AIDS?

AIDS is an STD, whereas the others are not.
Gonorrhea is a viral disease, whereas the others are bacterial.
HIV is a pathogen, whereas others are diseases.
Hepatitis B is eradicated, whereas others are not.

Answer: 1. HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus)
This is a virus that specifically targets the immune system's CD4 cells, also known as T-helper cells. It spreads via blood, and sexual contact, from mother to baby during birth or nursing. Without treatment, HIV results in AIDS. Although there's no cure, ART (antiretroviral therapy) can control it.
2. Hepatitis B (HBV)
A virus infecting the liver, transmitted by blood, sexual contact, and from mother to child. It may result in chronic issues like liver disease, cirrhosis, or even cancer. Prevention is through the Hepatitis B vaccine. For chronic cases, antiviral medicines are the treatment.
3. Gonorrhea
A bacterial STI caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae affects the genitals, rectum, and throat. It can cause painful urination, genital discharge, and pelvic pain in females. Untreated, it can lead to fertility issues. Antibiotics are the treatment, but beware of growing antibiotic resistance.
4. AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome)
The advanced stage of HIV, with a critically weakened immune system. Opportunistic infections, such as TB, pneumonia, and specific cancers, are common. ART can stop HIV from progressing to AIDS, but once it's AIDS, there is no cure.

Hence, the correct answer is option 3) HIV is a pathogen, whereas others are diseases.

Question: Which of the following diseases is NOT sexually transmitted?

Syphilis
Gonorrhoea
AIDS
Tuberculosis

Answer: Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. It usually occurs in the genital area and can include symptoms such as burning during urination, discharge from the penis, and testicular pain for males. Females may experience vaginal discharge or bleeding. Other sexually transmitted diseases include AIDS and syphilis. Tuberculosis is a serious bacterial infection that generally involves the lungs and is not a sexually transmitted disease.

Hence, the correct answer is Option (4) Tuberculosis.

Question: Assertion: STDs can have serious long-term health consequences if left untreated.

Reason: Many STDs can lead to serious health problems, such as infertility, chronic pelvic pain, and an increased risk of certain types of cancer, if left untreated.

Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason is the correct explanation of Assertion.
Both Assertion and Reason are true, but Reason is not the correct explanation of Assertion.
The assertion is true, but the Reason is false.
The assertion is false, but the reason is true.

Answer: The assertion is true. STDs can have serious long-term health consequences if left untreated. Many STDs, such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis, can cause serious health problems if left untreated. For example, untreated chlamydia and gonorrhea can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which can cause chronic pelvic pain and infertility in women. Syphilis can lead to a wide range of serious health problems, including damage to the heart, brain, and nervous system. In addition, HPV can cause genital warts and certain types of cancer, such as cervical cancer. Early detection and treatment of STDs are crucial to preventing long-term health consequences. It is important for individuals who are sexually active to get tested regularly for STDs and to seek treatment if they test positive.

Hence, the correct answer is Option (1) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason is the correct explanation of Assertion.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are some common symptoms of sexually transmitted infections?

The common symptoms include abnormal genital discharge and sores, itching, and burning with urination. However, many STDs do not have symptoms.

2. What are the long-term effects when STDs go untreated?

Untreated STDs can lead to infertility, chronic pain, and an increased risk of getting or transmitting HIV. Complications from untreated STDs include PID and certain cancers.

3. What is the treatment for chlamydia?

Chlamydia is almost always treated with antibiotics, such as azithromycin or doxycycline.

4. Can STDs be cured?

Mostly yes, but some cannot. The bacterial and parasitic infections are curable, the viral ones are not. Antibiotics or antiparasitic medications are administered. In the last case, an outbreak can be kept under control using antiviral drugs.

5. Are STDs passed only through sexual contact?

Sexual contact is a very common route of transmission for most of these diseases, some may also be transmitted by blood transfusion, sharing needles, or from a mother to her child during delivery.

6. What is the window period for STD testing?

The window period is the time between potential exposure to an STD and when a test can accurately detect the infection. This period varies for different STDs. For example, HIV may take 2-4 weeks to be detectable, while syphilis can take up to 3 months. During the window period, a person may be infected but still test negative, which is why repeat testing is often recommended.