MENU

COMMON SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES

3 STDs You May Already Have

There's only one way to find out for sure
BY RACHAEL SCHULTZ, JUNE 26, 2014
IMAGE FROM THINKSTOCK

SHARE

You know the scary stu to look for: Rashes and bumps down there, pain
while peeing, and open sores. But some sexually transmitted diseases
(STDs) dont even cause symptoms, and an infection can surface
dierently in person to person, says Fred Wyand, director of
communications for the American Social Health Association (ASHA).
Sometimes the symptoms are so mild that theyre easily overlooked or
attributed to another condition, like the u or a simple rash, Wyand
adds.
Even worse: STDs can beand most often aretransmitted by someone
who hasnt been diagnosed and doesnt have obvious signs of an
infection, Wyand says. This may be why a 2013 study reported that
more than 110 million men and women in the United States have an
STDabout eight times as many people alive who have had cancer.
Discover the three STDs that may already be lurking in your
systemeven if you dont have any symptoms.
Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
The most common STD is human papillomavirus, which most sexually
active individuals are estimated to have at some point in their lives, says
Wyand. The vast majority of cases in men and women are never

diagnosed, and occur without any noticeable signs. The good news: HPV
will likely clear naturally, Wyand says. In fact, the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that 90 percent of HPV cases are
cleared by the immune system within 2 years. However, the
viruswhich can be passed through genital contact, including oral
sexcan cause serious health concerns, including cancer of the penis,
anus, or even back of the throat. In women, its the biggest risk factor for
cervical cancer, so you should still get tested to prevent passing it to her.
There are over 40 types of HPV that get transmitted through sex, and as
of yet, no treatment exists for any strain.
Genital Herpes
One in six people have genital herpes, making it the second most
common STD in America, according to the CDC. There are two strains of
the virus: Genital and oral, the latter of which causes cold sores but isnt
considered an STD. Genital herpes is not only common but also typically
ies under the radar: Experts believe 80 percent or more of herpes cases
aren't recognized, Wyand says. When the virus does manifest, it usually
appears as blisters around your genitals or rectum, but can also spread to
the mouth during oral sex. Most symptoms are mild, or can be chalked
up to something else, like jock itch or ingrown hairs, Wyand adds. The
virus is usually transmitted through coming in contact with the uids
found in a herpes sore, but an infected person can spread it from
skin-to-skin contact even when they dont have any visible blisters.
Trichomoniasis
The third most common STD in America, trichomoniasissometimes
called trichis a parasite most commonly passed from a man to a
woman. But about 70 percent of people infected with trich dont have
any symptoms, according to the CDC. Signs for men usually come in the
form of itching or irritation inside the penis, burning after peeing or
ejaculating, or a strange discharge. Without treatment, the infection can
last for months or years and, while most people dont see proof of the
parasite, trich can increase your risk of getting or spreading other STDs.
Fortunately, trich is considered the most curable common STD since it
can be treated with a single dose of antibioticsbut you probably wont
know to treat it unless you get tested in the rst place.
AVOID SPREADING A DISEASE

Latex condoms greatly reduce the risk of catching or spreading an STD,

but not completely. Since you can have an STD without knowing, and
you can spread it whether or not you have symptoms, getting tested is
incredibly important. Its the only way to know denitively if youre
infected and if it can be treated. Even people with only one partner are
at risk for STDs, says Wyand. Everyone should have sexual health
conversations with their physician regardless of the number of partners
theyve had.
At your annual visit, if your doctor doesnt bring up STDs, raise the topic
yourself, Wyand suggests. Ask specically about testing. Your doctor
should take down your sexual history and risk factors, then determine
which tests are appropriate to run. If you dont see a physician
regularlylike half of adults, according to the CDCnd an STD clinic
and schedule the basic tests.
RELATED VIDEO:

SIGN UP FOR THE MEN'S HEALTH DAILY DOSE NEWSLETTER

SUBMIT QUERY

Enter Your Email

You many unsubscribe at any time.
Your
Privacy Rights

. About Us.

O bliterate B elly F at!

Lose up to 30 pounds in 30 days with the all new body transformation
plan, T h e B o d y F a t B r e a k t h r o u gghh. Pick up your copy today!

AROUND THE WEB:

FROM ZERGNET

T
Thhee O
Onnllyy 88 M
Moovveess Y
Yoouu S
Sttaarrss W
Whhoo''vvee
N
Neeeedd T
Too B
Bee F
Fiitt
C
Chhaannggeedd A
A LLoott S
Siinnccee
Y
Yoouu LLaasstt S
Saaw
wT
Thheem
m

1100 B
Biiggggeesstt T
Tuurrnn--O
Offffss
ffoorr W
Woom
meenn

2200 C
Ceelleebbrriittiieess W
Wiitthh
T
Thhee P
Prreettttiieesstt F
Faacceess

99 T
Thhiinnggss T
Thhaatt M
Maakkee
M
Meenn M
Moorree A
Attttrraaccttiivvee
T
Too W
Woom
meenn

2200 F
Faasshhiioonn M
Miissttaakkeess
W
Woom
meenn H
Haattee

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE:

P enis
F acts

What
Yo u r
F avorite

5 Kama
S utra
P o sitio n s

SHARE

HOME

FITNESS

SEX & WOMEN

HEALTH

NUTRITION

WEIGHT LOSS

GROOMING

VIDEO

SUBSCRIBE

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

PINTEREST

TUMBLR

INSTAGRAM

GOOGLE PLUS

2014 Rodale Inc.

All Rights Reserved.
Privacy Policy.

FFuullll S
Siittee