The ultimate rule about “la STD” (Sexually transmitted diseases) = You have to be up close and personal to spread ’em…
Again, an STD is any disease that is spread primarily by sexual contact.
One partner transmits the disease-causing organism to the other partner during sex (oral/vaginal/anal/etc.) according to Elizabeth Boskey, PhD.
Here are some common STDs that should be on the look out for:
1. Chlamydia
Chlamydia is the most common curable STD. It infects the cervix in women, and the penile urethra in men. Its most frequent symptoms are pain during sex, and discharge from the penis or vagina.
2. Gonorrhea
Gonorrhea, otherwise known as “the clap,” is another common bacterial STD. In general it infects the same organs as chlamydia, and has similar long-term effects.
3. Syphilis
Syphilis is caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum subspecies pallidum. The signs and symptoms of syphilis vary depending in which of the four stages it presents (primary, secondary, latent, and tertiary). The primary stage classically presents with a single chancre (a firm, painless, non-itchy skin ulceration) but there may be multiple sores.
In secondary syphilis a diffuse rash occurs, which frequently involves the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. There may also be sores in the mouth or vagina.
In latent syphilis, which can last for years, there are little to no symptoms.
In tertiary syphilis there are gummas (soft non-cancerous growths), neurological, or heart symptoms. Syphilis has been known as “the great imitator” as it may cause symptoms similar to many other diseases.
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