What Are the Most Common STIs and Their Symptoms?

Because many STDs do not show any symptoms, you may not even know you are infected. Below are some of the most common STDs and the characteristics associated with each. While most STIs are treatable, some have long-lasting side effects.

Early detection is important not only for your own health but to ensure you don’t continue to spread the infection to others. Make an appointment today or contact us to learn more.

The Most Commonly Treated STIs

Chlamydia

Chlamydia is one of the most common STDs, with more than 90 million cases reported each year globally and more than half of those cases occur in women. If left untreated, chlamydia can lead to PID (pelvic inflammatory disease) and puts women at high risk for infertility and ectopic pregnancies. While chlamydia is treatable with antibiotics, many women never experience any symptoms.

Gonorrhea

The main symptom of gonorrhea is a thick discharge from the penis or vagina. However, approximately 50% of women will not experience any symptoms at all. Gonorrhea may also infect the rectum, throat, eyes, blood, skin, and joints. Most strains of gonorrhea can be cured, but there is a new strain that is currently resistant to all antibiotics.

HPV

HPV, or Human Papillomavirus, is the most common STD. There are more than 100 different strains of HPV, and most of those strains exhibit no symptoms. While some cases of HPV will disappear over time, some can cause cervical cancer or other types of cancer. HPV warts may be treated in various ways, but cancer-causing HPV must be monitored and cannot be cured with antibiotics.

Trichomoniasis

Trichomoniasis affects about 5 million people in the US every year. It is one of the most common causes of vaginal infections in women and can also cause urethra infections in men. While trichomoniasis can be contracted sexually, it can also live on infected objects, which makes it even easier to contract.

Your Next Steps

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, have recently had unprotected sex, or have an abortion appointment scheduled, you need to get tested right away.