Introduction
Sexually Transmitted Diseases—also referred to as Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)—are diseases caused
by bacteria, viruses, parasites, or fungi and are commonly transmitted through oral, anal, or vaginal sexual contact.
Though often used interchangeably, the term “infection” (STI) highlights that many carriers have no noticeable
symptoms, while “disease” (STD) refers to infections that cause visible illness Verywell Health.
The global burden of STDs is enormous: every year, around 374 million new infections occur through just four
curable pathogens—Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Treponema pallidum (syphilis), and
Trichomonas vaginalis—while latent or chronic infections like HPV, herpes simplex virus, and HIV add to the
ongoing health challenge. STDs disproportionately impact adolescents and young adults, with two-thirds of new
cases occurring in individuals under 25
STDs pose serious medical, social, and economic consequences. For example, untreated chlamydia and gonorrhea
can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility, and ectopic pregnancy, especially in women. HPV infection is
a leading cause of cervical cancer, and syphilis in pregnancy can result in stillbirth or congenital defects.
Additionally, STIs are closely associated with enhanced risk for HIV transmission.
Why Study STDs?
• Public Health Impact: STDs are among the most prevalent infectious diseases worldwide and contribute to
millions of adverse health events annually.
• Asymptomatic Transmission: Many people carry STIs unknowingly, facilitating silent transmission through
communities.
• Prevention & Control: Effective prevention requires understanding epidemiology, behavior, and
diagnostics—spanning education, screening, safer practices, and vaccination.
• Healthcare Disparities: Medically underserved and marginalized populations experience greater STD burden
and less access to preventive care.
Scope of This Report
This report provides a comprehensive exploration of STDs by examining:
1. Definitions and classification — differentiating infections (STIs) from diseases (STDs).
2. Major causative agents — both curable bacterial and viral/intractable infections.
3. Epidemiology and global burden — with emphasis on youth and vulnerable populations.
4. Modes of transmission and risk factors.
5. Clinical manifestations and complications.
6. Diagnostic approaches and treatment paradigms.
7. Prevention strategies — including education, barrier protection, vaccination, and policy.
8. Emerging trends and challenges — like antimicrobial resistance, partner treatment models, and
technological tool.
🧠 Common Symptoms of STDs/STIs
Many STIs present with symptoms—but a significant number remain asymptomatic, meaning infected individuals
may not detect or transmit the infection without realizing it. Regular screening is vital for early diagnosis.
1. Unusual Discharge
• Men: Discharge from the penis—white, yellow, green, or gray—often signal infections like chlamydia or
gonorrhea.
• Women: Vaginal discharge that is thick, foul-smelling, or different from usual—may indicate gonorrhea,
trichomoniasis, or bacterial vaginosis. Irregular vaginal bleeding (between periods or after sex) is another
sign.
2. Painful or Frequent Urination
• A burning sensation during urination is commonly caused by infections such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, or
trichomoniasis.
3. Sores, Blisters, or Skin Lesions
• Herpes (HSV): Painful, fluid-filled blisters or ulcers on genitals or mouth, often preceded by itching or
tingling. Flu-like symptoms (fever, swollen lymph nodes) may accompany outbreaks.
• Syphilis: Painless ulcer (chancre) in primary stage; rash (often on palms and soles), fever, and swollen lymph
nodes in secondary stage. Advanced infection may affect organs or nerves.
4. Genital Itching, Irritation, or Redness
• Itching in genital or anal areas can occur with trichomoniasis, pubic lice, candidiasis (yeast infection), or
herpes.
5. Swollen Lymph Nodes
• Enlarged and tender lymph glands—particularly in the groin—may indicate infections like syphilis,
lymphogranuloma venereum, or herpes.
6. Pelvic or Lower Abdominal Pain
• Women with pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)—often caused by untreated chlamydia or gonorrhea—may
experience severe abdominal pain, pain during intercourse, and irregular menstrual bleeding.
7. Pain During Intercourse
• Dyspareunia, or pain with sex, is commonly linked to genital inflammation or PID and may result from
undiagnosed STIs.
8. Systemic or Flu-like Symptoms
• Some STIs (e.g. early-stage HIV, syphilis, herpes) can produce general symptoms like fever, fatigue, sore
throat, weight loss, night sweats, or muscle aches.
9. Anal or Rectal Discomfort
• STIs such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, or syphilis may cause anal itching, soreness, discharge, or bleeding,
especially after anal contact.
10. Eye Infections (Less Common)
• Infections like gonorrhea or chlamydia can cause ocular involvement, leading to conjunctivitis (“eye
STD")—symptoms include redness, discharge, blurred vision, and pain in one or both eyes.
📋 Overview by Infection Type
STI/STD Typical Symptoms
Chlamydia Often asymptomatic; urinary discomfort, discharge, PID symptoms if untreated
Gonorrhea Penile/vaginal discharge, burning urination, PID symptoms; may infect throat/rectum x
Genital Herpes Painful blisters/sores, itching, flu-like symptoms, recurrent outbreaks
Syphilis Primary chancre, secondary rash/fever/lymph nodes, tertiary organ complications
Trichomoniasis Itchy or frothy discharge, burning urination, discomfort
Bacterial Vaginosis Fish-like odor, grayish discharge, mild itching or burning
Pubic Lice / Scabies Genital itching, visible lice or burrows, skin irritation
Genital warts (HPV) Flesh-colored bumps or warts around genitals, sometimes itching or bleeding
HIV / Viral Hepatitis Often asymptomatic at first; may cause flu-like illness, chronic fatigue, weight loss
✅ When to See a Doctor
• If you have any of the symptoms above—especially sores, bleeding, discharge, pain, or fever.
• After unprotected sex, when engaging with a new partner, or if your partner tests positive.
• Regular STI screenings are recommended even without symptoms, particularly for high-risk groups (e.g.,
under 25, multiple partners, MSM, sex workers).
🧾 Key Takeaways
• Many STIs are asymptomatic, so absence of symptoms does not guarantee absence of infection.
• Symptoms vary widely by pathogen and individual.
• Early detection through testing and prompt medical treatment can prevent severe complications, including
infertility, cancers, neonatal transmission, and chronic health issues.
