Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)

BV occurs when there is too much of a certain bacterium in the vagina which alters the balance of normal flora. It is the most common vaginal infection in females ages 15 to 44 years. The cause and transmission are unknown, but sexually active females are at the greatest risk. New or multiple sex partners, as well as douching, can upset the balance of bacteria in the vagina, leading to BV. The presence of BV increases the risk of acquiring other STDs.
 
Signs and symptoms of BV

• Thin white or gray vaginal discharge
• Pain, itching, or burning in or outside of the vagina
• Strong fish-like odor, especially after sex
• Burning with urination

Chlamydia

Chlamydia is a common STD in both males and females that can be easily treated and cured. If left untreated, serious and permanent damage to a female's reproductive system can occur, leading to infertility and risk for future ectopic pregnancy. Chlamydia is spread by having vaginal, anal, or oral sex with an infected partner.

Signs and symptoms of chlamydia

• Symptoms are uncommon.
• Females may notice abnormal vaginal discharge or pain with urination.
• Males may notice penile discharge and burning with urination, or pain and swelling in one or both testicles.

Gonorrhea

Gonorrhea is an STD that can affect both males and females, causing infection in the genitals, rectum, and throat. It is a common infection, especially in young people ages 15 to 24. Gonorrhea is spread by vaginal, anal, or oral sex with an infected person. It also can be spread from an infected mother to baby during childbirth. 

Signs and symptoms of gonorrhea

• Most infected females are asymptomatic, but symptoms such as pain or burning with urinating, increased vaginal discharge, or vaginal bleeding between periods or after intercourse may occur. If left untreated, females are at risk for serious complications.
• Males can either be asymptomatic or experience symptoms such as burning with urination or penile discharge.

Trichomoniasis

Trichomoniasis is a common, curable STD caused by infection with the protozoan parasite Trichomonas vaginalis. Infection is more common in females than in males, with older females more likely to contract the infection than younger females. Transmission is through direct sexual contact from the penis to vagina; it does not infect hands, mouth, or anus.

Signs and symptoms of trichomoniasis

• Symptoms of the disease vary and may be intermittent, but most infected people are asymptomatic.
• Females may notice pain with urination; itching, burning, or redness of the genitalia; or a change in vaginal discharge.
• Males may report itching or irritation inside the penis, burning after urinating or ejaculating, or penile discharge.

Genital herpes simplex virus (HSV)

HSV is a common STD caused by two types of viruses (HSV1 and HSV2) that can affect any sexually active person. It can be spread with or without symptoms through vaginal, anal, or oral sex with an infected person. HSV infection is not curable and will remain in the body, but the number of outbreaks may decrease over time.

Signs and symptoms of HSV

• Most people with genital herpes have mild symptoms or are asymptomatic.
• Herpes sores usually appear as one or more blisters on or around the genitals, rectum, or mouth, leading to painful sores that may take a week or more to heal. When the sores occur, this is considered an “outbreak.”
• The first outbreak may also cause flu-like symptoms such as fever, body aches, or swollen glands.
• Infected people may experience repeated outbreaks, especially if infected with HSV2; repeat outbreaks are usually shorter and less severe.