Health

Sexually Transmitted Diseases: Types, Symptoms and Treatment

Though often used interchangeably, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) aren’t quite the same thing.

An infection occurs when bacteria, viruses, or parasites enter the body. A disease is what can happen if the infection causes damage or symptoms.

In short:

  • All STDs start as STIs.
  • Not all STIs turn into STDs.
  • An STI may cause no symptoms at all, while an STD typically comes with recognizable signs.

Now that you understand the distinction, let’s explore the different types of STDs, how they’re treated, and how to prevent them.

Symptoms of STDs

If an STI becomes symptomatic, you might notice:

  • Pain during sex or urination
  • Sores, bumps, or rashes on or near the genitals, anus, thighs, mouth, or buttocks
  • Unusual vaginal or penile discharge
  • Itchy genitals or anus
  • Swollen or painful testicles
  • Unusual bleeding, especially after sex

As the infection progresses into a disease, other symptoms may develop depending on the type of STD, such as:

  • Fever
  • Chronic fatigue
  • Memory or vision problems
  • Weight loss
  • Nausea
  • Recurring pain
  • Swelling or lumps

Not all STDs show symptoms, so regular screening is key.

What Causes STDs?

All STDs are caused by infections that are typically spread through sexual contact—including vaginal, oral, and anal sex. This transmission can occur through bodily fluids or skin-to-skin contact.

Some STIs clear up on their own or with treatment. However, if left untreated, they can damage the body, turning into an STD.

Types of STDs

1. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)

Caused by untreated STIs like chlamydia, gonorrhea, or trichomoniasis, PID is an infection of the female reproductive organs.

Symptoms may include:

  • Lower abdominal or pelvic pain
  • Pain during sex or urination
  • Unusual vaginal bleeding or discharge
  • Nausea or fever

Treatment: Early-stage PID is treatable with antibiotics. However, it may cause permanent scarring, increasing the risk of infertility or ectopic pregnancy.

2. Tertiary Syphilis

Syphilis starts as an STI with painless sores and progresses through stages. If untreated, it can enter a latent phase and later develop into tertiary syphilis—potentially 10–30 years later.

Symptoms may include:

  • Memory loss
  • Vision or hearing loss
  • Neurological disorders
  • Heart disease

Treatment: Penicillin injections can cure the infection but cannot reverse any damage already caused.

3. HPV-Related Cancers

Human papillomavirus (HPV) has many strains. Some cause genital warts (low-risk), while others can lead to cancer (high-risk), such as:

  • Cervical cancer
  • Anal cancer
  • Penile cancer
  • Oral and throat cancers

HPV 16 and 18 are responsible for most HPV-related cancers in the U.S.

Treatment: Depends on the type and stage of cancer. Options may include surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy.

Prevention: HPV vaccines are highly effective at preventing infection from the most dangerous strains.

4. Genital Warts

Caused by low-risk HPV strains, genital warts appear as small, skin-colored or white bumps on or around the genitals or anus.

Treatment: Options include freezing, burning, or topical medications. While the warts may go away, the virus may stay in the body, and warts can return.

5. AIDS

HIV, if untreated, damages the immune system, making the body more vulnerable to other infections or cancers. Over time, this can lead to AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome).

Symptoms of AIDS may include:

  • Rapid weight loss
  • Frequent infections
  • Chronic fatigue
  • Sores
  • Neurological symptoms
  • Certain cancers

Treatment: There’s no cure for AIDS, but antiretroviral therapy (ART) can manage HIV effectively and prevent progression.

STDs and Pregnancy

Some STIs can be passed to the baby during pregnancy or delivery. Examples:

  • Syphilis: Can be transmitted in utero, leading to miscarriage, stillbirth, or serious infection.
  • Genital warts: Rarely passed to newborns but can cause complications during delivery.
  • PID: Increases the risk of ectopic pregnancy and infertility.

Pregnancy tips:

  • Get screened for STIs early in pregnancy.
  • Discuss any infections with your doctor to determine safe treatment.
  • A C-section may be necessary if genital warts obstruct the birth canal.

Diagnosing an STD

Since symptoms alone aren’t reliable, doctors use the following to confirm an STD:

  • Physical examination
  • Swabs from genital areas
  • Blood or urine tests
  • Specialized procedures (e.g., colposcopy, laparoscopy)

Treatment Options

Treatment varies by condition but may include:

  • Antibiotics
  • Antiviral medications
  • Topical creams or gels
  • Surgical procedures or laser treatments

Some lifestyle changes, such as abstaining from sex until treatment is complete, may also be recommended.

Note: Many STDs can be treated, but not all can be cured—and some damage may be irreversible.

STD Prevention Tips

While abstinence is the only 100% effective method, you can reduce risk by:

  • Getting tested regularly, especially with new or multiple partners
  • Discussing sexual history with partners before becoming intimate
  • Using condoms or dental dams correctly during all sexual activity
  • Getting vaccinated for HPV and hepatitis B
  • Considering PrEP, a daily pill that lowers the risk of HIV, if you’re high-risk

The Bottom Line

All STDs begin as infections—and many are preventable, treatable, or even curable with early action.

The best protection is education, communication, and routine testing. If you test positive for an STI, don’t delay treatment. Early intervention can prevent complications and protect both your health and your partner’s.

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