What comes to mind when you think of sexually transmitted diseases? Dangerous diseases with scary symptoms, right? Well, while not entirely wrong, one can also contract certain sexually transmitted infections without displaying any symptoms.
If you are sexually active, the probability of being a victim of sexually transmitted diseases is quite high, especially if you have sex without using protective measures like condoms. Not all sexually transmitted infections announce their presence, which implies that a person can have an STD and not be aware!
5 STDs You Can Have Without Knowing
Here are five STDs that do not showcase signs of their existence after contraction.
- Gonorrhea
Research shows that gonorrhea is common amongst sexually active women under the age of 25, and most such victims never experience any symptoms. It also stands as the second most transmitted sexual disease in the United States.
Caused by the bacteria Neisseria gonorrhoeae, the infection is most times mistaken for a bladder or vaginal infection. Leaving Gonorrhea untreated can cause a host of other health implications such as scarring and damage to the reproductive organs.
The disease is usually treated by administering a one-time injection dose of Ceftriaxone (an antibiotic) with other oral antibiotics.
- Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
It seems unbelievable, but HIV can go undetected for weeks, months, or years before discovery. If the disease ever shows symptoms, the symptoms would be very flu-like.
HIV, if left untreated, will not just lead to AIDS but also causes immunodeficiency, which in turn raises the risk of other infections. While there is presently no cure for HIV, it is possible to manage the disease and significantly reduce its effects through antiretroviral medications.
- Trichomoniasis
The causative agent for this infection is a protozoan parasite called Trichomoniasis vaginalis. According to the CDC, about 30 percent of victims of the disease do not show any symptoms.
Common complaints in females include itching, burning sensations during urination or intercourse, and smelly vaginal discharge. Males usually report itching, irritation, burning sensation after ejaculation or urination.
Trichomoniasis can increase the probability of low birth weight and premature birth in pregnant women and the risks of contracting other STDs.
- Chlamydia
Otherwise known as the “silent” infection because most folks never experience symptoms of the disease, Chlamydia stands as one of the most common STDs in women under 25. Chlamydia, according to the CDC, is one of the leading causes of infertility in women.
Chlamydia can result in pelvic inflammatory disease, which causes scarring in the fallopian tubes, thus leading to a probable case of ectopic pregnancy and premature birth. Chlamydia is curable and is usually treated with antibiotics.
- Genital Herpes
Like the other STDs discussed above, herpes can also exist in a human body without a sign of its presence. Reports from the CDC reveal that one in six adults that fall within the ages of 14 and 49 have herpes, and most victims either show mild symptoms or none at all.
A virus causes the disease with two types; herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). HSV-1 causes oral Infections, while HSV-2 causes genital infections.
Conclusion
It is pretty easy to contract an STD even with the use of protective measures. C. W. Williams is committed to offering professional medical assistance and advice for sexually transmitted diseases. If you need any form of help, be sure to contact us!
