KenyaChange
Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Common types of STDs and their signs and symptoms
STDs are sexually transmitted diseases, also known as sexually transmitted infections (STIs). In other words they are infections that are passed on from one person to another through sexual intercourse. STIs are caused by bacteria and viruses. The most common STIs caused by bacteria include; syphilis, gonorrhoea and Chlamydia. The most common STIs caused by a virus include; HIV and genital herpes. Genital herpes is different from herpes zoster. You can suffer from more than one STI at the same time and usually when you are found to have one infection, you need to be tested for other sexually transmitted infections including HIV.
It is important to point out that a person suffering from an STI is at a greater risk of being infected with HIV, because the STI opens the way for the virus to enter the body. If you have been found to have an STI, take a HIV test too. Those who are infected with both an STI and HIV also spread the HIV faster to other people. It is therefore important that they get treated as soon as possible.
