Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are infections transmitted from an infected person
to an uninfected person through sexual contact. STDs can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or
parasites. STDs are a significant global health priority because of their overwhelming impact on
women and infants and their inter-relationships with HIV and AIDS. STDs are a significant
global health priority because of their overwhelming impact on women and infants and their
inter-relationships with HIV and AIDS. STDs and HIV are associated with biological
interactions because both infections may occur in the same populations. Moreover, STDs can
lead to long-term health problems, usually in women and infants. Among the health
complications that arise from STDs are pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility, tubal or ectopic
pregnancy, cervical cancer, and perinatal or congenital infections in infants born to infected
mothers.

Aside from HIV and AIDS, there are other sexually transmitted diseases in humans,
seven of which are listed below:

Chancroid

Gonorrhea
Chlamydia

Herpes Simplex Virus

Trichonomas Vaginalis Syphilis

Human Papillomavirus

Chlamydia. Chlamydia is a bacterial infection. The bacteria are usually spread through

unprotected vaginal, anal or oral sex; sharing sex toys that are not washed or not covered with a
new condom; your genitals coming into contact with your partner's genitals – this means you can
get chlamydia even if there's no penetration, orgasm or ejaculation; infected semen or vaginal
fluid getting into your eye. It can also be passed by a pregnant woman to her baby. (www.nhs.uk)

Gonorrhea. Gonorrhea is an infection caused by a sexually transmitted bacterium that infects

both males and females. It most often affects the urethra, rectum or throat. In
females, gonorrhea can also infect the cervix. Gonorrhea is most commonly spread during
vaginal, oral or anal sex. (www.mayoclinic.org)

Syphilis. Syphilis is a bacterial infection usually spread by sexual contact. The disease starts as a
painless sore—typically on your genitals, rectum or mouth. Syphilis spreads from person to
person via skin or mucous membrane contact with these sores.

Chancroid. Chancroid is a bacterial sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by infection with
Haemophilus ducreyi. It is characterized by painful necrotizing genital ulcers that may be
accompanied by inguinal lymphadenopathy. It is a highly contagious but curable disease.
(emedicine.medscape.com)

Human Papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection.
HPV is usually harmless and goes away by itself, but some types can lead to cancer or genital
warts. Over 40 distinct HPV types can infect the genital tract although most infection are
asymptomatic and appear to resolve spontaneously within a few years.

Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV). The herpes simplex virus, also known as HSV, is a contagious
virus that can be transmitted from person to person through direct contact. Children will often
contract HSV-1 from early contact with an adult who has an infection. They then carry the virus
with them for the rest of their lives. (www.healthline.com)

Trichomonas Vaginalis. Trichomonas vaginalis, also known as trichomoniasis, is a curable

sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by a parasite, Trichomonas vaginalis. The majority of
infected individuals are asymptomatic or have non-specific symptoms, making diagnosis
difficult. (pharmaceutical-journal.com)