5 Facts About an STD
STDs is a somewhat inaccurate term for STIs, or sexually transmitted infections, that transmit from one person to another through unprotected sexual intercourse; there are a lot of incorrect myths about STDs, so to counteract them, here are 5 facts about an STD you need to know.
- Secretive Symptoms: Not all STDs will have obvious symptoms like burning urine, pus, warts, itching or unusual odors. The HIV virus is virtually symptomless until its second stage, and even then, the symptoms are similar to the flu. Hepatitis is another secret agent STD that causes inflammation and scarring in your liver, and does not show symptoms until its late stages.
- Incurable and Annoying: The fact is, some STDs cannot be cured, and their outbreaks, while not fatal are definitely a hassle to deal with. Herpes and Gential Warts/HPV are both conditions that can be suppressed with medication, but will occasionally flare up with itchy, sensitive, pus-filled bumps and blisters around the genitals and anus. Unless they are having an outbreak, there is no way to tell if your partner has herpes or genital warts, but you can still catch it from them with unprotected sex.
- Incurable and Fatal: In sharp contrast, there is the STDs that will in fact kill you, like the HIV virus. Although it can be staved off by antiretrovirals for years, the HIV STD is designed to decimate your immune system. Hepatitis can also be incurable if it is not caught and treated early on. Unlike HIV, you may survive hepatitis if you can get a liver transplant, but the waiting time for a suitable donor varies, and there's no guarantee surgery will work.
- Also Considered STDs: A UTI (urinary tract infection) and crabs (public lice) are also listed as STDs by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). UTIs happen when bacteria enters the urinary tract and infects it, which can happen with unprotected sexual intercourse. Crabs basically jump from their host to a new body, and have easier access during sex.
- The #1 STD: STD Fact; herpes are the most commonly transmitted STD. Since this disease presents no symptoms between outbreaks, and outbreaks can vary from person to person, this disease spreads itself around easily.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: STDs