Types of sexually

transmitted diseases
More than a million people contract a sexually transmitted infection
every day. Here we tell you what each of them consists of, supported by
WHO experts.

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs or STDs) can be caused by about 30 types of known
bacteria , viruses and parasites , which are spread through the practice of sexual relations
between people.

Of these thirty, the WHO has linked 8 with the highest incidence of diseases . And of those
8 infections, 4 are currently curable: syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydiasis and trichomoniasis. It is
estimated that, annually, about 357 million people contract one of these. The remaining 4
(hepatitis B, herpes, HIV and HPV) are incurable viral infections that can be mitigated or
attenuated with treatment .

STDs generally affect both men and women. However, there are exceptions, and some of them
do make a gender differentiation. All of these pathologies can lead to chronic diseases ,
complications (especially during pregnancy ), some types of cancer and even , in the worst
case, death.

As mentioned, STDs are transmitted sexually, including vaginal, anal and oral sex. They can
also be spread through non-sexual means , such as blood transfusions or from mother to
fetus.

People can be carriers of some of these diseases without realizing it , since in many cases,
the symptoms are mild or we do not directly experience any type of condition, and we merely
act as transmitters of the pathology .

Although we live in the information age and have great sources of knowledge , STDs
continue to grow , especially among the youngest. It is estimated that in Spain , cases of
syphilis and gonorrhea are the pathologies that have increased the most , with an incidence
rate of almost 55% in young people between 20 and 24 years old. The Spanish Contraception
Society assures that this is due to a 'relaxation' of the population in the use of effective
contraceptive methods , such as condoms. In general terms, the WHO estimates that more
than one million people contract a sexually transmitted disease every day .

In the following gallery we review the different types of STDs and we tell you what each of
them consists of, supported by experts from the World Health Organization (WHO).

SEE 18 PHOTOS
Vanessa Torres and María Moya

A very common problem

More than a million people contract a Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) every day. We
review the symptoms of 18 types of them.
 Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
HPV (Human Papillomaviruses) are actually a group of common viruses (there are more
than 100 types), and although most are harmless, around 30 types are associated with an
increased risk of cancer .

According to the WHO, these types of viruses are classified as low risk or high risk, and are
acquired through sexual contact with an infected partner . The former cause anogenital
warts ; High-risk ones, on the other hand, lead to the development of cancer of the cervix,
vulva, vagina and anus in women, and cancer of the anus and penis in men. 99% of uterine
cancers are linked to genital HPV infection , which is the most common infection of the
reproductive system.

Although there is currently no cure, two HPV vaccines are currently on the market: bivalent
and quadrivalent. Both are highly effective in preventing infection by types 16 and 18 of the
virus, which cause approximately 70% of cervical cancers . Experts assure that the correct use
of latex condoms does not eliminate but greatly reduces the risk of contracting and spreading
HPV, as well as all STDs.
 HIV
The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a retrovirus that attacks and weakens the
immune system. As a consequence, the body becomes very vulnerable to infections and
diseases. This virus is the cause of AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome ), and has
claimed the lives of more than 40 million people throughout history.

Contrary to what you may think, HIV is not transmitted through the air or saliva. The most
frequent forms of infection are through unprotected sexual relations or by exchanging
needles or syringes with contaminated blood. Other routes of transmission are from mother to
child through pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding .

The time that usually passes between HIV infection and the diagnosis of AIDS can vary
between 10 and 15 years (sometimes more). To date there is no cure, although the well-known
treatment with antiretrovirals can slow the evolution, since it prevents the multiplication of
the virus. In addition, these drugs help reduce the viral load, that is, the amount of virus present
in the blood of the infected person.
 Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV)
As explained by the WHO, there are two types of herpes simplex virus : type 1 (HSV-1) and
type 2 (HSV-2). There are an estimated 3.7 billion people under the age of 50 infected with
HSV-1 and 417 million people ages 15 to 49 suffering from HSV-2 .

The former is transmitted by mouth-to-mouth contact (sometimes from the infected mother to
the baby during childbirth) and causes cold sores (which may include symptoms such as cold
sores or cold sores), or genital herpes . HSV-1 infection, acquired mostly during childhood, is
highly contagious, frequent and endemic throughout the world. Unfortunately, many people
infected with HSV-1 do not know they are infected, and cold sore infection is usually
asymptomatic.

For its part, HSV-2 is acquired sexually and causes genital herpes . Of course, both give rise to
infections that last a lifetime. Antiviral medications, such as acyclovir, famciclovir, and
valacyclovir, are most effective for people infected with HSV. However, although they can
reduce the intensity and frequency of symptoms, they do not cure the infection.
 Chlamydia
Chlamydia is a very common disease in developed countries, caused by the bacteria
Chlamydia trachomatis , which can affect both men and women. It generally does not cause
symptoms, although if it does, men usually have an urgent need to urinate and burning when
doing so, discharge from the penis or pain in the testicles.

In women, vaginal discharge becomes thick and yellowish, they often experience burning
when urinating, pain during sexual intercourse ; They may also have secretions from the
urethra or bleeding outside of menstruation.

It can usually be cured with effective single-dose antibiotic regimens. If not treated in time, in
women it can cause damage to their reproductive organs and difficulties conceiving. In men it
can cause pain and fever and, in very serious cases, infertility .
 Gonorrhea
This infection is very common among young adults. The bacteria responsible for gonorrhea is
Neisseria Gonorrhoeae or genococcus, and it can infect the genital tract, mouth or anus. Like
syphilis , it is contracted through vaginal, oral, or anal sex with an infected partner or through
pregnancy or childbirth from mother to child.

In women, the first symptoms are mild. How can they be identified? Over time, it can cause
bleeding between menstrual periods, painful urination, and increased vaginal secretions .
If not addressed in time, it leads to pelvic inflammatory disease, which causes problems in
pregnancy and infertility.

For their part, men can suffer pain when urinating and discharge from the penis , something
that causes problems in the prostate and testicles if not treated. As specialists point out,
treatment, which consists of antibiotics, is becoming more difficult due to the increase in drug-
resistant strains.

Syphilis
Caused by bacteria , syphilis infects the genital area, lips, mouth or anus and affects women
and men equally. It is generally spread through sexual contact with people who suffer from it,
although it can also be transmitted from mother to baby during pregnancy.

Experts from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases indicate that the early
stage usually causes a single, small, painless sore. However, these sores make it easier to get or
spread HIV during sex.

Sometimes it causes inflammation of nearby lymph nodes and a skin rash on the hands and
feet, but these are not very bothersome or obvious symptoms, which is why many people do not
notice the symptoms for years. In case of pregnancy, syphilis can cause birth defects or
abortions. Generally, it is a disease that if detected in time, can be easily cured with
antibiotics.

Trichomoniasis
Trichomoniasis is caused by a parasite . The majority of affected people do not show
symptoms, and if they do, they appear between 5 and 28 days after the infection has occurred.
Symptoms in women include greenish or yellowish vaginal discharge , discomfort during
sexual intercourse , vaginal odor, pain when urinating, or itching inside the vagina.

However, men rarely suffer symptoms. If they have them, they may have a whitish discharge
from the penis or difficulties urinating or ejaculating. Like chlamydiosis, gonorrhea and
syphilis , this disease is cured with antibiotics, which both the infected person and their partner
(if they have one) will have to take.
 Inguinal granuloma (donovanosis)
Spread especially in India, Guyana and New Guinea , this infection is caused by the bacteria
Klebsiella granulomatis and affects twice as many men as women. Unlike others, it very rarely
spreads during oral sex .

As for symptoms, they do not always occur immediately, as they can occur 1 to 12 weeks after
coming into contact with the bacteria. Half of the people who are infected have ulcers in the
anal area . Likewise, small, red, fleshy bumps tend to appear in the genital or perianal areas,
which become raised nodules known as granulation tissues.

In advanced stages, this infection resembles lymphogranuloma venereum, genital cancers , or

anogenital cutaneous amebiasis.
 Chlamydia
It is one of the most common STDs caused by the bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis . It can
affect both women and men but, curiously, many of those infected do not show symptoms. The
age range in which this disease is contracted is among young people (approximately 15-25
years).

Chlamydia is primarily transmitted during vaginal, anal, and oral sex with an infected
person . Chlamydia can also be passed to a baby during childbirth.

Having very varied symptoms, it is normal for a person not to realize that they suffer from this
disease and, furthermore, these can appear weeks after intercourse. However, women usually
experience abnormal vaginal discharge , with a strong odor, a burning sensation when
urinating, and pain during sexual intercourse. For their part, men suffer from penile discharge
, a burning sensation when urinating or itching around the opening of the penis.

Fortunately, chlamydia has a simple treatment based on antibiotics.

 Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a life-threatening liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV) . It is
transmitted through blood or other body fluids belonging to a person. It is classified as one of
the major health problems worldwide. According to the WHO, in 2015, almost 900,000 people
died from this disease and its complications.

The virus can survive up to 7 days outside the body and its average incubation period is 75
days.

Symptoms include yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice), dark urine , extreme fatigue,
nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. People with acute hepatitis can suffer acute liver failure,
which can lead to death.

There is no specific treatment for acute hepatitis B. Therefore, the focus is on maintaining
well-being and nutritional balance. However, hepatitis B is preventable with a vaccine
currently available. It is optimal to administer it to newborns during the first 24 hours of life.

Molluscum contagiosum
The diseases caused by the viral infection of Molluscum Contagiosum cause papules (eruptive
tumor that appears on the skin without pus or serosity) and nodules (concretion of small size
and spheroidal shape, constituted by the accumulation of lymphocytes, mainly in the
connective tissue of mucous membranes).

It is a virus that affects both children , when they come into direct contact with a skin lesion or
an object that has the virus (for example, towels or toys), and adults through sexual
transmission.

In this case, the symptoms are focused on the genitals , although they also occur on the face
and thighs. The first lesions on these can be mistaken for herpes or warts. But unlike herpes,
these lesions are painless.

The virus disappears on its own or with the help of medications . Lesions , on the other hand,
can remain on the body for months and even years . In some cases, it can be treated with
minor surgery.

Pubic lice or lice

These are tiny insects that infect the pubic hair area and lay their eggs there . Their
appearance is very similar to that of a sea crab . This type of STD is easy to eliminate and does
not usually cause any major danger.
This infection is not associated with a lack of hygiene, as many believe, since anyone can easily
become infected. Pubic lice easily spread from one person's hair to another when their genitals
are very close or in contact. This causes severe itching in the intimate area, which usually
worsens at night.

As for their cure, lice are often treated with medications that contain a substance called
permethrin . Medications to treat genital lice are easy to use and come in different formats such
as gel, shampoo, lotions and foam.

The chancre
It is an infection of the genitals that is caused by the bacteria Haemophilus ducreyi . Chancres
(or ulcers) appear primarily on the penis and scrotum in men and the lower lips in women.

The symptoms that indicate infection are red spots that appear on the body, turning into ulcers.
These bleed easily and drain yellow or gray pus. The chancre occurs between three and seven
days after sexual intercourse and its effects last up to a month on our body .

This STD is very common in underdeveloped countries and is especially painful .

 Genital warts
It is a disease caused by HPV , explained above, that affects both sexes. Warts are soft, moist
bumps that appear singly or multiple times. Genital warts can be spread during oral, vaginal or
anal sex with an infected person. The condom reduces, but does not eliminate, the
possibility of contagion .

According to the WHO, genital warts should always be treated. HPV vaccines can help prevent
some HPV infections that cause genital warts. However, even after treatment and removal,
the virus remains in the body for a while , so warts can reappear.

Scabies
Caused by the microscopic mite Sarcoptes scabei , it is a disease caused by scabies mites ,
small insect-like parasites that infect the most superficial layer of the skin. Scabies causes
rashes, irritation and very itching . Like lice, it is not dangerous and its cure is easy.

The treatment is based on the consumption of pills and the application of medicinal creams that
exterminate the mites and eggs.

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)

It is an STD that affects the female sex . It is an infection of the woman's uterus, fallopian
tubes, and ovaries . Most of the time, chlamydia and gonorrhea bacteria cause PID . This is
caused by a bacteria when it circulates through any of the aforementioned organs. It can cause
chronic pain and other serious health problems, such as infertility .

Its main symptoms are: fever, pain or tenderness in the pelvis, lower abdomen or lumbar region
and colored vaginal discharge.

PID is primarily treated with antibiotics, but depending on the type of infection you have, it
will be administered differently. Furthermore, when we suffer from this disease, our sexual
partner must also undergo treatment.
 Non-Gonococcal Urethritis (NGU)
It is an infection in the area of the urethra , the tube responsible for transporting urine in its
final phase. NGU can be contracted through the bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis .

This disease causes stains on underwear and pain or discomfort when urinating. Women
may experience abdominal pain or vaginal bleeding unrelated to menstruation. The
complication of NGU is pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).

Non-gonococcal urethritis can develop without the need for sexual transmission. Women who
suffer from it can suffer a miscarriage if they are pregnant, chronic pelvic pain, or
vaginitis in the event of a complication .

The most common antibiotics to treat NGU are tetracycline, doxycycline, and azithromycin .
The best way to avoid this disease is to use condoms .
 Introduction

Every year, thousands of people (especially young people) are victims of a Sexually Transmitted
Infection, thousands die from HIV or AIDS.

Every day we hear or read news about Sexually Transmitted Infections, HIV and AIDS, but are we
really aware of what these diseases are? What causes them? What are its consequences? What is
its scope? How are they affecting the world? And what can we do to counteract them?

It is necessary that we thoroughly analyze the answers to each of these questions. To do this, we
have carried out extensive research and have prepared a work in which we touch on the most
relevant aspects of each of these diseases, to try to raise awareness about the terrible reality that
we are experiencing.

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) are diseases that spread easily through physical-sexual or
intimate contact. Most of these diseases are curable, some are not. Every year more than 12
million youth and young adults contract a Sexually Transmitted Infection.

STIs are caused by bacteria, viruses, protozoa or parasites. The most common in more than 20
known diseases are Chlamydia, Trichomoniasis, Gonorrhea, Syphilis, Hepatitis and AIDS. A person
can suffer from an STI without noticing any signs or symptoms. Symptoms may take up to a few
weeks or months to appear after sexual contact. Without proper treatment, many of these
infections can cause serious health problems, sterility, impotence, immunodeficiency, mental
retardation and death.
 Conclusion
After seeing in a broad and detailed way each of the so-called Sexually Transmitted
Infections, HIV and AIDS, and having seen the statistics of these, we realize that every day
the epidemic becomes more fearsome, that every day hundreds of people die and others
are left orphaned, victims of an evil that if we set our minds to it we can eradicate.
It only takes a little awareness, a little information and a little will to stop the spread of
such a harmful virus that is ending the lives of many young people and children who are
supposed to be the future of the world.
There is a lot of fighting to achieve a vaccine to prevent contagion, but we believe that this
vaccine must go to the conscience of every human being. If everyone contributed a grain
of sand to the eradication of this evil, studies and experiments will not be necessary to
achieve its cure and prevention.
Each of us must assume responsible and low-risk sexual behaviors to avoid the
proliferation of these diseases for our own good and that of the entire world.