Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), also called sexually transmitted infections (STIs), are on the rise. In 2017, researchers saw an increase in STDs for the fourth year in a row, and the highest ever rates of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis.
Most STDs are treatable, and many are curable. Early treatment significantly increases the likelihood of a good outcome. Prevention strategies and routine STD testing can help people avoid spreading these infections to their partners.
Pictures of common STDs
This article looks at the visual symptoms and other signs of common STDs.
Herpes
Image credit: Bober275, 2011.
Herpes
Image credit: GerardM, 2005.
Human papillomavirus (HPV)
Image credit: CDC/ Dr. M.F. Rein, 1976.
Human papillomavirus (HPV)
Image credit: SOA-AIDS Amsterdam, 2005.
Pubic lice
Image credit: CDC/ Reed and Carnrick Pharmaceuticals, 1976.
Pubic lice
Image credit: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2013.
Chlamydia
Image credit: SOA-AIDS Amsterdam.
Chlamydia
Image credit: SOA-AIDS Amsterdam.
Gonorrhea
Image credit: CDC/ Joe Miller; Jim Pledger, 1974.
Gonorrhea
Image credit: CDC, 1970.
Bacterial vaginosis
Image credit: VeeBabzel, 2016.
Trichomoniasis
Image credit: CD, 2006.
Syphilis
Image credit: CDC, 1969.
Syphilis
Image credit: CDC/ Robert Sumpter, 1967.
Herpes
Herpes is a virus that can affect many areas of the body, including the mouth and eyes. The sexually transmitted form of herpes most commonly affects the genitals.
Symptoms of herpes include:
- pain or unusual sensations on the genitals a few days before an outbreak
- an outbreak of red or swollen blisters
- blisters that are very painful and which eventually crust over
- feeling ill or having low energy during an outbreak
No treatment can cure herpes. However, antiviral drugs can make outbreaks less painful and potentially reduce the risk of spreading the infection to a partner.
Human papillomavirus (HPV)
HPV is a virus that causes genital warts. It also increases the risk of some cancers, including cervical and throat cancer. A vaccine can prevent the virus, and some children receive the vaccine around the age of 12.
Many people with HPV have no symptoms. In fact, the types of HPV most likely to cause cancer rarely cause symptoms. Those who do have symptoms may develop small warts on and around their genitals.
Pubic lice
Pubic lice, also called crabs, are tiny insects that live in coarse hair, such as pubic hair. Pubic lice feed on a person’s blood.
They spread through close contact between people, or contact with clothing or other objects that have lice or eggs on them.
Symptoms of pubic lice include:
- itching in the pubic area, especially at night when the lice are most active
- red or swollen skin
- black spots in underwear
- gray or white spots in the pubic hair
People can treat pubic lice with medications that they can buy over the counter.
Chlamydia
Anyone who suspects they may have an STD should speak to a doctor.
Chlamydia is a bacterial infection that affects both males and females. If left untreated in females, it can cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). PID can cause pelvic and stomach pain, and may even affect fertility.
Chlamydia can infect the vagina, penis, or rectum. Some people have no symptoms. Others experience:
- painful urination
- burning during or after sex
- unusual discharge from the vagina, penis, or rectum
- unusual bleeding
- less commonly, swelling of the testicles
Antibiotics can cure chlamydia.
Gonorrhea
Like chlamydia, gonorrhea can infect both males and females and can cause PID in females. Gonorrhea is a bacterial infection that spreads through sexual contact.
People with gonorrhea often have no symptoms at all. When symptoms do appear, they may include:
- unusual discharge from the vagina or penis
- pain when urinating
- pain in the stomach
- bleeding between periods
Gonorrhea can also affect other areas of the body, causing symptoms such as:
- pain and itching in the eyes
- a sore throat or swollen glands in the neck
- swelling, warmth, or redness in the joints
Treatment for gonorrhea usually involves antibiotics.
Bacterial vaginosis
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a bacterial infection that affects the vagina. Doctors do not know what causes it, but it is more common among sexually active women. This suggests that it may be sexually transmitted.
Many women with BV have no symptoms. Some experience itching or burning, which may resemble a yeast infection. Other BV symptoms include:
- a fishy odor, especially after having sex
- a thin, pale, grayish discharge from the vagina
- burning when peeing
BV may go away without treatment. It may also come back. Some women need antibiotics to treat BV.
Hepatitis
Hepatitis is a virus that affects the liver. There are three types of hepatitis. Hepatitis A and B are sexually transmitted and highly contagious. Often, they do not cause symptoms, and a vaccination can protect against them.
Though it is uncommon, hepatitis C can also spread through sexual contact. Hepatitis C is a chronic illness that antivirals can sometimes cure.
The course of hepatitis and how treatable it is depends on the type of hepatitis a person has. The symptoms may go away on their own.
Symptoms of hepatitis include:
- very low energy
- unexplained stomach pain or pain in the upper right side of the abdomen
- joint pain
- headaches
- very dark urine
- pale bowel movements
- yellow skin or eyes
Trichomoniasis
Trichomoniasis, sometimes called trich, is a parasite that spreads through sexual and close contact. Most people with trichomoniasis do not know they have it. If it is left untreated, the infection can last for years and may spread to sexual partners.
Symptoms of trichomoniasis include:
- pain during or after sex
- unusual discharge from the penis
- yellowish or greenish discharge from the vagina
- fishy smell from the genitals
- burning or red genitals
- a sore, burning sensation inside the vagina or penis
An oral medication can cure trichomoniasis. People with a previous infection may get the infection again. People who have trichomoniasis are also at higher risk of contracting another STD.
HIV
Using a condom can help prevent the transmission of HIV.
HIV damages immune system cells, which makes it progressively more difficult for the body to fight infections.
Left untreated, HIV increases the risk of serious complications or even death from otherwise minor infections. People can contract HIV through contact with blood or genital fluids, such as semen and vaginal fluid.
Shortly after contracting HIV, 40 to 90 percent of people develop flu-like symptoms, including:
- painful sores in the mouth
- chills
- rash
- night sweats
- fever
- low energy
- muscle aches and pains
- swollen lymph nodes
Healthcare professionals can treat HIV using antiretroviral medication. This does not completely eradicate the virus but reduces the amount of HIV in the blood to undetectable levels, meaning it is no longer possible to transmit it sexually.
Without antiretroviral treatment, HIV moves into a latency stage that may cause no noticeable symptoms and eventually progresses to stage 3 HIV, also known as AIDS. As the disease progresses, people become more vulnerable to illness. They may have frequent infections.
Symptoms of stage 3 HIV include:
- brown, pink, or red blotches on the skin of the mouth, eyelids, or nose
- unexplained weight loss
- night sweats
- frequent yeast or other infections
- diarrhea that lasts a week or longer
- sores on the genitals or mouth
- extreme tiredness
- swollen lymph nodes
Syphilis
Syphilis is a bacterial infection that people can spread through sexual contact. Left untreated, it can cause serious complications and even death. But in the early stages, syphilis is treatable with antibiotics.
In the early stages of syphilis, people may notice sores at the site where syphilis entered the body, which is often the genitals. The sores are typically:
- small and round
- hard
- painless
- In the second stage of syphilis, symptoms include:
- skin rash
- swollen lymph nodes
- fever
After the second stage, syphilis enters a latency period and might not cause symptoms. If syphilis enters the third and most serious stage of syphilis, it can affect the heart and brain.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor for any symptoms of an STD, especially if the symptoms do not go away on their own or cause intense pain. If a sexual partner has received a diagnosis for an STD, see a doctor for testing.
The CDC recommend the following STD testing guidelines for sexually active people:
All adults and teens ages 13 to 64 should get an HIV test at least once.
Sexually active women younger than 25 years old, women who have multiple partners or who have a new sexual partner, should seek chlamydia and gonorrhea testing annually.
All pregnant women should pursue testing for HIV, hepatitis B, and syphilis. Pregnant women at high risk for chlamydia and gonorrhea should get tested for these STDs, too.
Sexually active men who have sex with men should seek testing for syphilis and gonorrhea at least once a year. Men who have sex with anonymous partners or who have unprotected sex may need more frequent testing.
People who have sex without condoms or pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), or who share drug equipment, should seek HIV testing at least annually.
Men who have sex with men should consult their doctors about HIV testing schedules. They may need testing every 3–6 months.
Summary
The outlook for STDs improves with treatment. Treatment can slow the progression and improve a person’s long-term health.
The right treatment depends on the diagnosis. It is essential for people diagnosed with an STD to use condoms during sexual activity and to tell any sexual partners about their status.
Preventive measures are very useful for reducing the frequency and impact of STDs. Taking PrEP can prevent a person from contracting HIV.
People who suspect they may have an STD may not want to see a doctor. However, knowing STD status is always the best option. The right diagnosis can ease an anxious mind, offer help finding the proper treatment, and prevent long-term complications.