What is the main cause of STDs

The causes of STDs (Sexually transmitted diseases) or sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are vaginal, anal and oral sex followed by Kissing and skin-to-skin contact. Kissing and skin-to-skin contact are much less likely than penetration and oral sex to cause STIs. It's not necessary for all STDs to develop into a disease. But, it is possible to prevent infections from turning into serious diseases when they are given the right care and treatment. Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are a broad category of bacterial, viral, and parasitic infections transmitted by sexual contact.

Within this broad category, there are several types of STIs, and they all cause an infection in your body in slightly different ways. HIV, for example, is a viral infection that works by affecting the functioning of your immune system, leaving you more susceptible to other diseases. HPV (Human Papillomavirus) is also a virus family, but it causes genital warts (warts in your genital region), and in some cases, it can also cause cervical cancer. Gonorrhea and Chlamydia are bacterial infections that cause a wide range of symptoms, such as strange-coloured and foul-smelling discharge, painful sex, spotting in the middle of the cycle, and abdominal pain. Finally, Trichomoniasis is caused due to a parasite!

Some sexual activities are riskier than others. The risk of transmission is highest during vaginal and anal sex, followed by making out, kissing, and other intimate activities. However, since it is never a good idea to take chances, it is necessary to protect oneself against STIs irrespective of the type of sexual activity, like making out, fondling, or sexual intercourse. HPV and Genital Herpes are both sexually transmitted infections that can be passed through contact. In the case of Genital Herpes, it is transmitted by contacting an infected person's sore, which is usually present in the genital area. HIV and Hepatitis B are sexually transmitted infections that can easily spread if you inject drugs using contaminated syringes.

What are the common symptoms of STDs?

STDs or STIs can cause a range of symptoms, and sometimes no symptoms. As a result, they may be unnoticed until complications arise or unless a partner is diagnosed with an STI.

Signs and symptoms that may indicate an STD/STI include:

Sores or bumps in the genital, oral or rectal areaPainful or burning urinationDischarge from the penisUnusual or smelly vaginal dischargeUnusual vaginal bleedingPain during sexSore, swollen lymph nodes, especially in the groin but sometimes more widespreadLower abdominal painFeverA rash over the trunk, hands or feet

You might notice these symptoms a few days after getting an STI. However, depending on the organism causing the STI, it could take years before you notice any symptoms.1 2

How soon do STDs show up?

When you first get an STD, your body needs time to recognise the disease and develop antibodies against it. During this time, known as the incubation period, you will not show any symptoms. If you test for an STD too soon, when the incubation period is not over, you may test negative even while having the disease. Even if this incubation period is over, some STDs can take months or years to show symptoms.

As most STD tests use antibodies rather than symptoms as a marker of the disease status, having symptoms is not always a reliable indicator of the disease. So, even if you don't have any symptoms, you should get tested for STDs.3

Who is most at risk for STDs?

Anyone sexually active is at risk of getting an STD. Factors that could increase the risk of getting an STD are:

Having unprotected sex - If you are having vaginal or anal sex with an infected partner who isn't wearing a condom, it increases the risk of getting an STD if they have one. Although oral sex is less risky, STDs can still be transmitted if you are not using a condom or a dental dam.Having sex with multiple people - If you have multiple sexual partners, it can increase your risk of getting an STD.Have a history of STDs - If you already had/have an STD, it is easier for you to get another one.Sharing needles - Many diseases like HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C are spread through sharing needles.4

How to prevent STDs?

There are several methods to prevent STDs. The first and most important thing is to use protections like condoms for vaginal and anal sex and dental dams for oral sex. The majority of condoms sold at pharmacies are latex based. You can also go for non-latex condoms if you are allergic to latex ones. They act as a physical barrier between the fluids of an infected person and your own body. Secondly, it is essential to regularly test for STDs and to constantly ask about your partner's STD history and recent reports before engaging in a physical relationship. It may feel like an awkward conversation, but it will help you develop trust early in the relationship. Regular testing is necessary because most sexually transmitted diseases remain silent in your system and cause no symptoms.5 6

How to treat STDs?

If you suspect that you might have an STD, you must consult a doctor first. You will need antibiotics (often in a single dose) that can cure many sexually transmitted, bacterial and parasitic infections like gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis and trichomoniasis. 

You must remember that once you start antibiotic treatment, you have to finish it. Also, you should avoid having sex for seven days after you finish your antibiotic treatment and until the sores have healed. Experts also advise women to be retested in three months because there is a high risk of reinfection.

If you have herpes or HIV, you will need antiviral medication. However, it is still possible to infect your partner with herpes. Antiviral medicines can prevent HIV infection for many years. However, you will still carry the virus and can still transmit it to another person (though the risk is low). HIV treatment is most effective when started as soon as possible. It is possible to reduce the viral load in the blood to the point where it cannot be identified if you take your medications exactly as prescribed.