Std infection refers to a sexually transmitted disease that may be caused due to a pathogen and such an infection may be transmitted through sexual contact. Sexually active individuals particularly those having multiple sexual partners are at a risk of contracting a std disease. There are as many as 200 to 400 million individuals worldwide that are infected with std diseases.

In United States alone as many as 13 million individuals suffer from std diseases every year. Some of the std diseases have no visible symptoms while other produce minimal symptoms. On the whole there are more than 20 std diseases that have been identified. Some std diseases like human papillomavirus, HIV and herpes cannot be cured but with medication the associated symptoms can be managed. Monogamy with someone who is not infected can help a person avoid contracting a std infection.

The common std diseases include gonorrhoea, Chlamydia, genital warts, syphilis, HIV, herpes, chancriod and hepatitis B and C. These diseases can be transferred through bodily fluids such as vaginal fluids, semen, blood etc. There are some symptoms of a possible std infection and these symptoms include vaginal and penile discharge along with a burning sensation during urination.

Some other symptoms associated with a std infection include itching near the genitals or the anus along with eruption of rash or lesions particularly near the genital or the anal areas. Many people suffering from std diseases also experience swelling of glands particularly in the groin region. In many cases flu like signs may also be observed.

Transmission of the std infection can occur due to unprotected anal, vaginal and oral sex and also due to direct skin contact with the infected region. Some std diseases may also be transferred in pregnancy from the mother to the child. A person is particularly at risk if he or she has multiple sex partners. Sexual intercourse with strangers or with commercial sex workers can also increase the risk of getting a std.

Other factors that can increase the risk of getting std infection include using drugs that are injected and sharing needles that are used for tattoos and body piercings. Stds like HIV, genital herpes, hepatitis B and genital warts do not have a complete cure and medications can help in reducing the associated problems. Infections like gonorrhea, Chlamydia, syphilis and chancroid can be effectively treated.

Unprotected sex should be avoided as this increases the risk of contracting a std infection. Likewise it is advisable to avoid sexual activity when the partner has symptoms of a possible std problem. Rectal douching prior to rectal intercourse can increase the risk of getting std. Any sexual activity that damages the mucosal lining in the vagina or the rectum can also increase the possibility of a std.