What Are Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)?

Sexually transmitted diseases, often referred to as STDs, are typically passed from one person to another through sexual activity. The incubation period for STDs can vary, and symptoms might not be obvious. This is especially true for women, who may have no symptoms at all, making it easy to overlook the infection. In fact, many infected individuals may not realize they have an STD and therefore do not seek treatment, increasing the risk of transmitting the disease to their sexual partners.

A person can be infected with more than one STD at the same time. If left untreated, or if their sexual partner remains untreated, there is a risk of re-infection. Most STDs are treatable and curable. With patience, following the doctor’s guidance, undergoing treatment, and attending follow-up visits, recovery is more likely. During treatment, it is crucial to abstain from any sexual activity to avoid further infection and to prevent transmitting the STD to others. If necessary, sexual partners should also be tested and treated to prevent repeated transmission.

 
The main transmission routes for STDs include sexual contact, blood transmission, and mother-to-child transmission. Casual social interactions, such as handshakes, sharing meals, swimming in public pools, or using public transportation, do not transmit STDs.

Sexual Contact

Whether it’s oral, vaginal, or anal sex, when broken mucous membranes or skin come into contact with bodily fluids infected with viruses or bacteria, the infection can spread.

Our mouth, sexual organs, stomach, intestines, urethra, and anus are lined with different mucous membranes, which are like a layer of moist skin. Areas frequently involved in sexual contact, such as the vagina, anus, urethra, or mouth, have these mucous membranes.

For example, if a person has a wound in the vagina and engages in unsafe vaginal intercourse with someone who has an STD without using a condom, there is a high risk of coming into contact with bodily fluids (such as semen) that carry viruses or bacteria, increasing the chance of contracting an STD. Therefore, consistently using condoms can effectively reduce the risk of contracting STDs.

Blood Transmission

This is usually associated with viral STDs, such as HIV or hepatitis B. The most common ways of transmission are through sharing dirty, non-sterilized needles, contracting the virus during blood transfusions, or when wounds on the body come into contact with the blood of someone with an STD.

Mother-to-Child Transmission

Viruses can pass through the placental barrier or be transmitted from the blood, known as “intrauterine transmission.” Babies can also contract STDs from the mother’s vaginal area during childbirth. Therefore, pregnant women with an STD may need to consider a cesarean section.