STDs are infections spread primarily through sexual contact (vaginal, anal, oral). Over 30 different bacteria, viruses, and parasites can be transmitted sexually, with 1 million new infections daily worldwide (WHO data).
Most Common STDs & Key Facts
STD
Type
Prevalence
Symptoms
Long-Term Risks
Chlamydia
Bacterial
127M cases/yr
Often none
Infertility, PID
Gonorrhea
Bacterial
87M cases/yr
Discharge, pain
Antibiotic resistance
Syphilis
Bacterial
7.1M cases/yr
Sores, rash
Neurological damage
HPV
Viral
80% sexually active
Warts, often none
Cervical cancer
Herpes
Viral
500M globally
Blisters, flu-like
Recurrent outbreaks
HIV
Viral
38M living with
Early flu-like
AIDS if untreated
Critical Prevention Strategies
Barrier Protection
Latex/polyurethane condoms (98% effective when used perfectly)
Dental dams for oral sex
Vaccinations
HPV vaccine (Gardasil-9)
Hepatitis B vaccine
Testing Protocols
Annual screening for all sexually active adults
3-6 month testing if multiple partners
PrEP for HIV prevention (99% effective)
Diagnosis & Testing
Swab tests (genital/rectal/throat)
Blood tests (HIV, syphilis, herpes)
Urine tests (chlamydia, gonorrhea)
Pap smears (HPV-related changes)
Treatment Options
Bacterial STDs: Curable with antibiotics (but growing resistance)
Viral STDs: Manageable but not curable (antivirals for HIV/herpes)
Parasitic STDs: Treatable with prescription medications
Alarming Global Trends
⚠ Gonorrhea resistance to last-line antibiotics
⚠ Syphilis resurgence (up 300% in some countries)
⚠ Untreated STDs cause 200,000+ stillbirths annually
When to Get Tested
🔴 After unprotected sex
🔴 New sexual partner
🔴 Unusual symptoms:
Genital sores/blisters
Painful urination
Unusual discharge
Pelvic pain (women)
Breaking the Stigma
STDs don’t define morality – they’re infections
1 in 2 sexually active people will get an STD by 25
Early treatment prevents complications and spread
📞 Contact your healthcare provider or local clinic for confidential testing
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