Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are infections that are transmitted from one person to another through sexual contact. The worldwide prevalence of STDs has increased significantly over the years, with millions of people affected each year.

In this article, we will explore the 15 most common STDs that are prevalent worldwide.

1. Chlamydia

Chlamydia is caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. It is a common STD and can affect both men and women. The symptoms of chlamydia include discharge from the vagina or penis, pain during urination, and abdominal pain.

If left untreated, chlamydia can lead to serious health problems like infertility, pelvic inflammatory disease, and ectopic pregnancy.

2. Gonorrhea

Gonorrhea is caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae and is spread through sexual contact. The symptoms of gonorrhea in men include discharge from the penis, pain during urination, and swelling of the testicles.

In women, gonorrhea symptoms include vaginal discharge, painful urination, and abnormal vaginal bleeding. If left untreated, gonorrhea can lead to serious complications like infertility and pelvic inflammatory disease.

3. Syphilis

Syphilis is caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum and is transmitted through sexual contact. The symptoms of syphilis include painless sores on the genitals, mouth or anus, and a rash on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet.

If left untreated, syphilis can lead to serious complications like blindness, paralysis, and even death.

4. Herpes

Herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus and is spread through sexual contact. The symptoms of herpes include painful blisters around the genitals or mouth, and flu-like symptoms.

Herpes can be managed with antiviral medications, but there is no cure for the virus.

5. Human papillomavirus (HPV)

HPV is caused by the human papillomavirus and is spread through sexual contact. HPV can lead to genital warts in both men and women and is also linked to various types of cancer, including cervical cancer.

There is a vaccine available that can protect against certain types of HPV.

6. HIV/AIDS

HIV is a virus that attacks the immune system, making the affected person more susceptible to infections and other illnesses. HIV is spread through sexual contact, sharing needles, and mother-to-child transmission during childbirth or breastfeeding.

The symptoms of HIV can take years to develop, and once they do, the person is said to have acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). There is no cure for HIV/AIDS, but antiretroviral therapy can help manage the symptoms and prolong life.

7. Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is caused by the hepatitis B virus and is transmitted through sexual contact, sharing needles, and mother-to-child transmission during childbirth. The symptoms of hepatitis B include fatigue, abdominal pain, nausea, and jaundice.

There is a vaccine available that can protect against hepatitis B.

8. Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C is caused by the hepatitis C virus and is spread through blood-to-blood contact, including sharing needles. The symptoms of hepatitis C include fatigue, abdominal pain, and jaundice.

There is no vaccine available for hepatitis C, but it can be treated with antiviral medications.

9. Trichomoniasis

Trichomoniasis is caused by the parasite Trichomonas vaginalis and is transmitted through sexual contact. The symptoms of trichomoniasis include itching and burning around the genitals, discharge from the vagina or penis, and painful urination.

Trichomoniasis can be treated with antibiotics.

10. Pubic lice

Pubic lice are tiny insects that live in pubic hair and are spread through sexual contact. The symptoms of pubic lice include itching around the genitals and small, red, and raised bumps on the skin.

Pubic lice can be treated with special shampoos and creams.

11. Scabies

Scabies is caused by a mite called Sarcoptes scabiei and is spread through skin-to-skin contact. The symptoms of scabies include itching, redness, and a rash on the skin. Scabies can be treated with medicated creams.

12. Molluscum contagiosum

Molluscum contagiosum is caused by a virus and is spread through skin-to-skin contact. The symptoms of molluscum contagiosum include small, round, and firm bumps on the skin.

Molluscum contagiosum can be treated with freezing, or by scraping the bumps off the skin.

13. Chancroid

Chancroid is caused by the bacterium Haemophilus ducreyi and is transmitted through sexual contact. The symptoms of chancroid include painful sores on the genitals and swollen lymph nodes. Chancroid can be treated with antibiotics.

14. Donovanosis

Donovanosis is caused by the bacterium Klebsiella granulomatis and is transmitted through sexual contact. The symptoms of donovanosis include raised, beefy-red, and painless sores on the genitals. Donovanosis can be treated with antibiotics.

15. Lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV)

LGV is caused by a strain of the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis and is transmitted through sexual contact. The symptoms of LGV include small, painless sores on the genitals and painful swelling of the lymph nodes. LGV can be treated with antibiotics.