Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are infections that are spread through sexual contact with an infected person. They are also called sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and venereal diseases (VD). STDs can be caused by bacteria, parasites, and viruses, and more than half of the US population will contract one within his or her lifetime. STDs affect both men and women.
There are over 20 different STDs, including:
- Chlamydia
- Gonorrhea
- Herpes
- HIV
- Syphilis
You can protect yourself and others from sexually transmitted diseases through the practice of safe sex and vigilant testing. For example, a study by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases found that the use of latex condoms reduced the risk of contracted gonorrhea by 49-75% for men. If you believe that you may have been exposed to infection, an STD test will catch the infection early and help you seek the proper treatment to reduce the risk to yourself and your sexual partners. STD tests are fast and easy to get from reputable medicinal portals such as the Mylabbox.
STDs caused by bacteria can be cured by antibiotics, and those caused by parasites can be treated with over the counter drugs and other medicines. Typically, STDs that are caused by a virus cannot be cured, but medicine and proper care can help keep the disease under control in some cases.
