Sexually transmitted diseases refer to those infections that are transmitted from one individual to another by way of sexual contact. Current statistics reveal that there are as many as 15 million std cases in United States. The common std diseases include gonorrhea, syphilis, human papillomavirus, trichomoniasis, Chlamydia, genital herpes, bacterial vaginosis and hepatitis B.

Young adults are at higher risk of getting std diseases and as many as 19 million new cases of infections are observed every year. Among these fresh diseases half cases fall in the age groups of 15 to 24. These diseases if not treated on time can causes severe problems such as pelvic inflammatory diseases leading to infertility and some stds can even be fatal.

Gonorrhea and Chlamydia are some of the common std diseases that can affect people. Chlamydia affects women more than men and the symptoms can include vaginal discharge, inflammation of lining in the bladder, pain during intercourse and bleeding. Among men penile discharge and pain during urination is often observed. In gonorrhea vaginal or penile discharge along with burning sensation during urination may be experienced. Along with this irritation anal discharge may also be experienced. Genital warts and herpes are some other std diseases.

Genital warts may be caused by human papilloma virus and in this condition small bumps that are shaped like cauliflower may be observed in the genital areas. These warts are fresh colored and smooth. Along with these warts vaginal or penile discharge may also be experienced. Among women genital warts may cause bleeding or vaginal discharge if the warts are located in the cervix of a woman.

Syphilis is also one of the std diseases and this condition progresses in several stages. In the primary stage painless ulcers called chancres are observed in regions near the vulva, cervix or the penis along with the mouth and the anus. In the second stage the person may experience fatigue, swollen glands, flu like symptoms, wart growth in the vulva and anus and white patches on the roof of mouth and the tongue as well.

Pubic lice or crabs are small parasites that feed on blood and burrow in the skin. These are found in the coarse body hair mainly in the pubic hair. These can be easily passed during sexual intercourse and can also be passed by sharing towels, clothes and bedding. The symptoms include itchy skin, inflammation of affected area along with eggs and lice.

Herpes is one of the most common std diseases and includes facial herpes as well as genital herpes. Facial herpes results in sores on the facial regions like the lips and mouth while genital herpes results in lesions in genital areas like the penis, vagina and the anus as well. Once the herpes virus enters the body it never leaves and lies latent within the body before it is reactivated from time to time.

Molluscum contagiosum is an infection that is seen in the form of small papules and these are pearl shaped and they erupt in clusters. These papules are filled with white fluid and are contagious. Such lesions are observed in regions like the thighs, genitals along with the anus. MC can be transferred through sexual contact with an infected person and also through direct skin contact or sharing of towels, clothing and baths.

Trichomoniasis is one of the std diseases that results in unpleasant smelling discharge among men and women along with pain while indulging in sex. The pain may also be experienced during urination and in many cases inflammation in the urethra may also be observed.