A sexually transmitted disease is an infection that can be transmitted through sexual or very intimate contact.  It may be transmitted through non intimate contact.  The causes of STDs are viruses, bacteria, fungi and parasites.

Common STDs

How are STDs contracted?

Sexually transmitted diseases are mainly spread in three ways:
(i) sexual contact with an infected person (through vaginal, oral or anal sex and masturbation)
(ii) contact with infected body fluids such as blood, and
(iii) mother to baby during pregnancy.

STDs may also be spread via objects contaminated by an infected person, such as door handles, toilet seats or desks.

Symptoms

Many sexually transmitted diseases are characterized by ambiguous, transcient symptoms, or do not have any symptoms at all. It may take some time before any symptoms occur after an infection. Thus the infected person, unaware of the infection, would continue to spread happily the diseases to others. The larger and inconspicuous vaginal area of a female compared to the male counterpart makes women more likely to be asymptomatic.

Effects of STDs

Sexually transmitted diseases not only affect the sex organs and the reproductive systems, leading to infertility. They may also affect nervous or cardiovascular system. Furthermore, there are other complications, some of which may be fatal. If one suspects of an STD infection, with signs of sore, bumps, itching in the sex organ, painful and frequent urination, they should consult a doctor immediately.