Sexually transmitted disease (STD) is used to refer to any illness that is passed from one person to another through vaginal, anal, or oral sex. STDs can also be transmitted through shared needles, breastfeeding, non-sexual skin-to-skin contact, and shared bedding or towels. Using protection may reduce the chance of STDs down to less than 1%.
A large number of infections can be transmitted sexually. Some STDs display noticeable symptoms. Common STD symptoms include rashes, pain during sex or urination, abnormal discharge, sores, and bumps or blisters. However, many people with STDs may show no signs. Some STDs often lie dormant for years, and asymptomatic STDs are so common that many people with STDs have no idea they are infected.
They may pass on an STD to one or more partners without knowing it. They may also suffer internal damage while the STD remains untreated. Potential long-term consequences of untreated STDs include infertility, certain types of cancer, whole-body illness and death (rare). The most common STDs are Herpes, HIV infection, HPV, Gonorrhoea, syphilis, chlamydia and trichomoniasis.
HERPES
Herpes is the short name for the herpes simplex virus(HSV). Herpes Simplex Virus 1 is transmitted orally and is responsible for cold sores and fever blisters typically occurring around the mouth. Herpes Simplex Virus 2 is transmitted sexually and is responsible for genital herpes. The most common symptom of both herpes viruses is blistery sores which crust over and heal within a few weeks (primary herpes simplex). Following primary infection, the virus migrates into the neurons and enters a latent phase whereby it is reactivated periodically by factors such as sunburn, fever, stress and anxiety. There is no cure for herpes. However, there are Medications available that can help to control reactivations and decrease pain.
