When it comes to sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), most people are aware of the common ones like chlamydia, gonorrhea, and herpes. However, there are several more unusual STDs that people should also be aware of.
Many of these conditions have symptoms that overlap with other more common STDs, which is why they’re often overlooked or misdiagnosed.
1. Molluscum Contagiosum
Molluscum contagiosum is a viral skin infection that appears as small, painless, raised bumps on the skin. This STD is caused by the molluscum contagiosum virus (MCV), which is spread through skin-to-skin contact.
While it can be spread through sexual contact, it’s also common in children and adults who share water or towels. While the bumps are usually harmless, they can be unsightly and may cause itching or irritation. Treatment for molluscum contagiosum involves removing the bumps, which can be done through cryotherapy, curettage, or topical treatments.
2. Donovanosis
Donovanosis, also known as granuloma inguinale, is a bacterial infection that causes genital ulcers. The infection is caused by the bacterium Klebsiella granulomatis, which is spread through sexual contact.
The ulcers caused by donovanosis can be painless but may bleed or emit a foul-smelling discharge. If left untreated, the infection can spread to other parts of the body and cause severe damage to the tissues. Treatment for donovanosis involves a course of antibiotics, which can usually cure the infection.
3. Mycoplasma Genitalium
Mycoplasma genitalium is a bacterial infection that can cause urethritis (inflammation of the urethra) in men and cervicitis (inflammation of the cervix) in women. It can also cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in women.
The bacteria is spread through sexual contact and is often asymptomatic, which means that people can have it without knowing it. Symptoms of mycoplasma genitalium can include pain during urination, discharge from the penis or vagina, and pelvic pain.
The infection can be treated with antibiotics, but some strains may be resistant to certain drugs, making treatment more difficult.
4. Trichomoniasis
Trichomoniasis, also known as “trich,” is a parasitic infection that affects the genitals. It’s caused by the microorganism Trichomonas vaginalis and is spread through sexual contact.
Symptoms of trichomoniasis can include itching, burning, and redness in the genital area, as well as a frothy discharge from the vagina or penis. While trichomoniasis can be treated with antibiotics, it can often be asymptomatic in men, making it difficult to detect and treat.
5. Lymphogranuloma Venereum
Lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) is a rare bacterial infection that can cause ulcers, swelling, and inflammation of the genitals, as well as damage to the lymph nodes.
It’s caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis and is spread through sexual contact, including oral sex. LGV is more common in tropical and subtropical regions and is often misdiagnosed as other STDs. Treatment for LGV involves a course of antibiotics and may require surgery in severe cases.
6. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is a bacterial infection that affects the reproductive organs, including the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. It’s usually caused by sexually transmitted bacteria like chlamydia or gonorrhea.
Symptoms of PID can include abdominal pain, fever, and painful intercourse. If left untreated, PID can lead to infertility, chronic pelvic pain, and ectopic pregnancy. PID is treated with antibiotics and may require hospitalization in severe cases.
7. Syphilis
Syphilis is a bacterial infection that’s usually spread through sexual contact, including oral, vaginal, and anal sex. It’s caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum and can lead to serious complications if left untreated.
Symptoms of syphilis can include genital sores, a rash on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet, and flu-like symptoms. If left untreated, syphilis can cause damage to the heart, brain, and other organs. Treatment for syphilis involves a course of antibiotics.
8. Scabies
Scabies is an infestation of the skin by the tiny mite Sarcoptes scabiei. It’s usually spread through skin-to-skin contact and can be transmitted during sexual contact.
Symptoms of scabies include intense itching and a rash that may look like tiny pimples or blisters. Scabies can be treated with topical creams and lotions that kill the mites.
9. Pubic Lice
Pubic lice, also known as “crabs,” are tiny insects that infest the pubic hair. They’re usually spread through sexual contact but can also be contracted through sharing bedding or clothing with someone who has the lice.
Symptoms of pubic lice can include itching and the presence of tiny eggs or lice on the pubic hair. Treatment for pubic lice involves topical creams and lotions that kill the insects.
10. Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a viral infection that affects the liver. It’s usually spread through sexual contact, sharing needles, or from mother to baby during birth. Symptoms of hepatitis B can include fatigue, nausea, and abdominal pain.
If left untreated, hepatitis B can cause liver damage, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. Treatment for hepatitis B involves antiviral medication and may require hospitalization in severe cases.