STDs may be contracted through sexual activity involving the vagina, penis, anus or mouth. STDs may vary in the symptoms they may cause. Some STDs such as HIV or AIDS and herpes simplex may not be curable. Some possible STDs may include genital herpes, gonorrhea, chlamydia, hepatitis B, human papillomavirus (also called HPV and causes genital warts), syphilis and HIV.

STDs may present no symptoms. Some people may experience mild symptoms, but may ignore them, as they may appear to be common ailments of other diseases or illnesses. Often, STDs may present no symptoms at first, but people may begin to experience symptoms as the disease progresses.

Still, others may go through periods of flare-ups and remissions as the disease progresses. Some symptoms of STDs may include bumps, sores or warts near the mouth, anus or genitals, swelling or redness near the penis or vagina, rash, weight loss, loose stool, night sweats, aches, pains, fever and chills. Other possible symptoms of STDs may include jaundice, vaginal discharge, discharge from the penis, abnormal vaginal bleeding, pain during sex or severe itching near the penis or vagina. STDs may vary depending on the disease and patients may still experience other symptoms.

Treatment for sexually transmitted diseases may vary depending on which STD has been contracted. Antibiotics may be helpful in treating certain STDs, while others may be treatable using creams or lotions.

STDs may not be the only important aspect of sexual health. Erectile dysfunction may affect many men over time and vaginal dryness may occur during or after menopause in women. Treatments may exist for other sexual conditions as well. Using a condom every time, choosing sexual partners wisely, having sex with one person and getting checked for STDs regularly may be helpful in preventing STDs. The only sure way to avoid STDs may be to avoid sexual contact completely.

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