The Most Common STDs and How to Spot Them

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are diseases that you get through sexual 
intercourse and oral sex. There are many different STDs, but the most common ones 
include HPV, gonorrhea, chlamydia, and herpes. Keep reading to learn about each of 
these STDs and symptoms that you might notice if you have one of them.


HPV

The most common sexually transmitted disease is the human papillomavirus, or HPV. It 
is said that about 70% or more adults in the United States have HPV. This STD is very 
easy to transmit to sexual partners when you don’t use protection, which is why it is 
more common in people with multiple sex partners or who don’t use protection every 
time. 

You can get HPV through vaginal or anal sex, as well as oral sex as basic skin-to-skin 
contact. There aren’t many symptoms, aside from genital warts that some people get. 
Though keep in mind not everyone gets genital warts, and some people have warts 
without having HPV. There are vaccines that can help to protect you from HPV, 
especially the types that lead to cervical cancer.


Gonorrhea

The second most common STD you can get is gonorrhea, which sounds scary, but it is 
completely treatable. It is important to note that if you don’t get treatment in a timely 
manner, your gonorrhea can get worse and lead to more serous medical conditions. 
This is why when you think you have a medical issue of any kind, you should never feel 
embarrassed about it. Talk to your doctor! 

Gonorrhea is passed through vaginal, oral, or anal sex when it is not protected by a 
condom. The symptoms for women include urination that is painful, bleeding or spotting 
between your periods, and an increase in discharge. In men, they might also have 
swollen testicles.


Chlamydia

Another common sexually transmitted disease is chlamydia, which is more commonly 
spread through vaginal or anal intercourse, though it can also be transmitted through 
oral sex. Similar to other STDs, chlamydia might cause a burning sensation when you 
pee, burning throughout the day of your vagina, or discharge you didn’t have before. It 
can be treated with antibiotics, so it is important not only to get treatment if you suspect 
you have it, but inform your sexual partners of it s well.


Herpes

And lastly, there is herpes, which unfortunately has no cure. Herpes shows in flare-ups, 
instead of having the symptoms consistently. With herpes, you will get bumps and 
blisters on your vagina, including your vulva and anus. You can get herpes from a 
herpes carrier during vaginal, anal, or oral sex if it was not protected by a condom.

