By EKalman December 6, 2021 - 12:47am

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are infections and viruses that can be passed from an infected person through unprotected sex. Many people don't consider STDs dangerous and even don't believe in their existence. That's why it is extremely important to be informed about this issue. Which is why we have gathered these six facts about STDs you should know about.

1. STDs are extremely common
There is a common misconception that STDs are rare and that it is not so easy to get infected with them. Unfortunately, many sexually active people have been infected with STDs during their lifetime. The main problem is that it can be quite difficult or even impossible to know for sure if your partner is infected with STDs or not. That's why it is extremely important to use condoms during sex and undergo regular STD testing

2. STDs can be asymptomatic
Another common misconception is that STDs usually cause severe and obvious symptoms like abnormal discharge, rashes, redness, blisters, and itching. But the truth is that you may be infected with an STD for months or even years without any symptoms. However, you may easily pass these infections and/or viruses to other people through unprotected sex. To prevent STDs transmission, it is better to use condoms.

3. Some STDs can’t be cured
If you have been infected with STDs, it is extremely important to visit a gynecologist ​or urologist as soon as possible to undergo a thorough examination and treatment. Most stages can be easily treated with the help of antibiotics. However, some viruses like human papillomavirus and genital herpes can't be cured. Nevertheless, you can ease your symptoms and monitor your condition to prevent the development of further complications. Additionally, you can get a vaccine that can help prevent the infection with human papillomavirus.

4. Hormonal contraception doesn’t prevent STDs transmission
Many people believe that all types of contraception can help prevent pregnancy as well as save them from sexually transmitted diseases. But the reality is that most types of barrier contraception and all kinds of hormonal contraception are aimed at preventing pregnancy. If you want to decrease your risk of getting STDs, you need to use condoms. Both male and female condoms help prevent the transmission of body liquids and minimize skin-to-skin contact.

5. Some STDs can cause cancer
Unfortunately, many people don't realize how dangerous some STDs can be. For example, some strains of human papillomavirus can lead to the development of cancer. In women, it can cause throat, cervical, vaginal, and vulvar cancers. Men can get anal, penial, and throat cancer. Indeed, the infection with human papillomavirus doesn't always lead to cancer. But it is better to avoid it rather than worry about possible complications.

6. Untreated STDs can lead to infertility in women
If you have noticed at least some signs of STDs, it is essential to visit a gynecological clinic and undergo STD testing. Untreated STDs can lead to the development of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). This condition causes pelvic pain, fever, abnormal discharge, pain during sex, and vaginal bleeding between periods. Without timely and efficient treatment, PID can cause scar tissue and pockets of infected fluid. This can result in infertility.

The bottom line
It is important to understand that STDs can be quite dangerous. They can cause severe symptoms and lead to the development of serious complications. That’s why it is extremely important to use condoms and undergo STD testing on a regular basis. Most STDs can be successfully treated, while some incurable STDs are possible to manage with the help of medications.