Every STI Explained
1. Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
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Symptoms: Warts (hands, feet, genitals); often asymptomatic.
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Risks: Can cause cervical and throat cancer.
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Transmission: Skin-to-skin contact, towels, kissing, sex.
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Treatment: No cure; warts can be removed, HPV vaccine prevents most types.
2. Syphilis
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Symptoms: Painless sores, rashes (esp. around genitals), rough skin.
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Risks: Dormant stage → brain/nervous system damage, dementia, death.
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Transmission: Unprotected sex.
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Treatment: Penicillin (if caught early).
3. Chlamydia
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Symptoms: Discharge, burning urination, abdominal/pelvic pain; often asymptomatic.
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Risks: Infertility, ectopic pregnancy, pelvic inflammation.
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Transmission: Sexual contact.
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Treatment: Antibiotics (highly effective).
4. Trichomoniasis
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Symptoms: Foul smell, colored discharge, itching, burning pee; men often show no symptoms.
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Risks: Vaginal inflammation, complications in pregnancy.
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Transmission: Genital contact (even without penetration).
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Treatment: Antibiotics (e.g. Metronidazole).
5. Gonorrhea
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Symptoms: Burning pee, thick yellow/green discharge, bad odor.
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Risks: Infertility, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), testicle inflammation (epididymitis).
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Transmission: Sexual contact.
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Treatment: Ceftriaxone and other antibiotics.
6. HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus)
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Symptoms: Fatigue, swollen lymph nodes, chronic infections; progresses to AIDS.
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Risks: Complete immune breakdown, life-threatening infections.
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Transmission: Blood, semen, vaginal fluids, shared needles.
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Treatment: Antiretroviral therapy (ART) to manage (no cure yet).
7. Hepatitis B & C
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Symptoms: Fatigue, joint pain, dark urine, jaundice (yellow skin/eyes), weight loss.
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Risks: Liver damage, cirrhosis, liver cancer.
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Transmission: Unprotected sex, shared needles, personal items.
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Treatment: Antivirals; Hep B vaccine available (no vaccine for Hep C).
Bottom Line:
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Use condoms, get tested regularly, avoid sharing personal items, and get vaccinated (where available).
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Many of these diseases are treatable if caught early—ignoring symptoms = big trouble.
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