Bacterial Vaginosis

Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) is a condition that happens when there is too much of a certain bacteria in the vagina. BV is a result of an imbalance of “good” and “harmful” bacteria in the vagina. The cause of BV is unknown, but it is known that it occurs in individuals who are sexually active. Douching, not using condoms, and having multiple sex partners can upset the normal balance of vaginal bacteria, increasing the risk of BV.

Common Symptoms

• Thin white or gray vaginal discharge
• Pain, itching, or burning in the vagina
• Strong fish-like odor, especially after sex
• Burning when urinating
• Itching around the outside of the vagina

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Chlamydia

Chlamydia is a common STD caused by infection with Chlamydia trachomatis. It can cause infection in both men and women.  It spreads through vaginal, anal, or oral sex with someone with the infection. Two-thirds of new chlamydia infections occur among youth aged 15-24 years. Most individuals with the infection have no symptoms or 

Common Symptoms

Women

• Abnormal vaginal discharge
• Burning sensation when peeing

Men

• Discharge from penis
• Burning sensation when peeing
• Pain and swelling in one or both testicles (less common)

Men and women can also get chlamydia in their rectum.

Image Source: Moxiber Health

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Gonorrhea

Gonorrhea is caused by infection with the Neisseria gonorrhoeae bacterium. N. gonorrhoeae infects the mucous membranes of the reproductive tract, including the cervix, uterus, and fallopian tubes in women, and the urethra in women and men. It can also infect the mucous membranes of the mouth, throat, eyes, and rectum. It’s transmitted through sexual contact with the penis, vagina, mouth, or anus of an infected partner. Gonorrhea is the second most commonly reported bacterial STI in the U.S.

Image Source: American Pregnancy Association

Common Symptoms

Women

• Painful or burning sensation when peeing
• Increased vaginal discharge
• Vaginal bleeding between periods

Men

• Burning sensation when peeing
• White, yellow, or green discharge from the penis
• Painful or swollen testicles (less common)

Rectal infections can cause no symptoms or cause symptoms in both men and women that include:

• Discharge
• Anal itching
• Soreness
• Bleeding
• Painful bowel movements

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Genital Herpes

Genital herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) or type 2 (HSV-2). It is transmitted through contact with HSV in herpes lesions, mucosal surfaces, genital secretions, or oral secretions. Both types can be shed from normal appearing oral or genital mucosa or skin. Most individuals infected with HSV are asymptomatic or have mild symptoms that go unnoticed or are mistaken for another skin condition.

Symptoms

• One or more vesicles, or small blisters, on or around the genitals, rectum or mouth.

Image Source: NHS Genital Herpes

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HIV/AIDS

HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that attacks the cells that help the body fight infection, making a person more vulnerable to other infections and diseases. If HIV is not treated, it can lead to AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). There is currently no cure but with proper medical care, HIV can be controlled. People with HIV who adhere to treatment can live long, healthy lives and protect their partners.

When people with HIV don’t get treatment, they typically progress through three stages.

• Stage 1 – Acute HIV Infection
• Stage 2 – Chronic HIV Infection
• Stage 3 – Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS)

Transmission

 HIV can be spread by:

• Having vaginal or anal sex with someone who has HIV without using a condom the right way every time or taking medicines to prevent or treat HIV.
• Sharing injection drug equipment, such as needles, syringes, or other drug injection equipment with someone who has HIV.

Symptoms

• Most people have flu-like symptoms within 2 to 4 weeks after infection.
• Having symptoms doesn’t mean you have HIV. Other illnesses can cause similar symptoms.
• Some people have no symptoms at all.

Image Source: CDC Travels’ Health HIV

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Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

HPV is the most common STI in the United States. It can be spread by having vaginal, anal, or oral sex with someone who has the virus. In most cases, HPV goes away on its own within two years without health problems. It is most commonly spread during vaginal or anal sex. It also spreads through close skin-to-skin touching during sex. In most cases, HPV goes away on its own within two years without health problems. If HPV does not go away it can cause genital warts and cancer.

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Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)

Pelvic inflammatory disease is an infection of a women’s reproductive organs caused by some STDs. Women develop PID when certain bacteria move upward from a woman’s vagina or cervix into her reproductive organs. PID can lead to infertility and permanent damage of a woman’s reproductive organs.

Symptoms

• Pain in your lower abdomen
• Fever
• An unusual discharge with a bad odor from your vagina
• Pain/or bleeding when you have sex
• Burning sensation when you urinate
• Bleeding between periods

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Syphilis

Syphilis is STD caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. Syphilis develops in stages (primary, secondary, latent, and tertiary). Each stage can have different signs and symptoms. It spreads from person to person by direct contact with a syphilitic sore, known as chancre during vaginal, anal, or oral sex. Without treatment, you can continue to have syphilis in your body for years. Healthcare providers use blood test to test for syphilis. Having syphilis once does not protect you from getting it again.

Symptoms

Primary Stage:

• Firm, round, and painless single sore or multiple sores in, on, or around the penis; vagina; anus; rectum; lips or in the mouth
• The sore usually lasts 3 to 6 weeks and heals regardless of whether you receive treatment. Even after the sore goes away, you must receive treatment. Treatment will stop your infection from moving to the secondary stage.

Image Source: CDC STDs Syphilis Images

Secondary Stage

• Skin rashes and/or sore in your mouth, vagina, or anus
• Rough; red; or reddish-brown rash can be on the palms of your hands and/or bottoms of your feet. This stage usually starts with a rash on one or more areas of your body that does not cause itching.

Other symptoms: fever; swollen lymph glands; sore throat, patchy hair loss, headaches; weight loss; muscle aches; fatigue.

Image Source: CDC STDs Syphilis Images

Latent Stage

• No visible signs or symptoms.

Neurosyphilis, Ocular Syphilis, and Otosyphilis

• Without treatment, syphilis can spread to the brain and nervous system, the eye, or the ear.
• Neurosyphilis symptoms
  • Severe headache
  • Muscle weakness and/or trouble with muscle movements
  • Changes to your mental state and/or dementia
• Ocular syphilis symptoms
  • Eye pain and/or redness
  • Changes in your vision or even blindness
• Otosyphilis symptoms
  • Hearing loss
  • Ringing, buzzing, roaring, or hissing in the ears
  • Dizziness or vertigo

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Trichomoniasis

Trichomoniasis (Trich) is common STD caused by infection with Trichomonas vaginalis. Trich is spread by having sex without a condom with a partner who has trich. People with trich can pass the infection to others, even if they do not have symptoms. Trich can increase the risk of getting or spreading other STDs.

Symptoms

Males

• Itching or irritation inside the penis
• Burning after peeing or ejaculating
• Discharge from the penis

Females

• Itching, burning, redness or soreness of the genitals
• Discomfort when peeing
• Clear, white, yellowish, or greenish vaginal discharge with a fishy smell

Image Source: CDC DPDx – Laboratory Identification of Parasites of Public Health Concern

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