Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are caused by infections that you get when you've had unprotected sex. Unprotected sex means sex without a condom.

Many STDs are easy to cure. But you have to make sure you get them treated in time!

Here you can find out all about sexually transmitted diseases.

What's in a name - STD or STI?
What's the difference between an STI and an STD? You've got a sexually transmitted infection (STI) when you've been infected by a bacteria, virus or parasite through having unprotected sex. If the infection goes on to cause symptoms, such as unusual discharge from your penis or vagina, you've got a sexually transmitted disease (STD).

Generally speaking, the only difference between an STI and an STD is whether you've got symptoms. Either way, you still have an infection that you can pass on to someone else. To keep things simple, in Love Matters we stick to the term STD.
 

There are three different types of STDs – bacterial, viral, and parasitic.

Bacterial STDs are caused by bacteria: Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea, Syphilis.

Viral STDs are caused by a virus. Genital warts (human papillomavirus, HPV), Genital herpes (herpes simplex virus, HSV-1,HSV-2), Water warts (molluscum contagiosum), Hepatitis B, HIV (which causes AIDS).

Parasitic STDs are caused by parasites: Trichomoniasis (Trich), Pubic lice, Scabies.

Other infections that make it easier to catch STDs: Bacterial vaginosis, Candida (yeast infection).

The tricky thing about some STIs is that you can have them without noticing any symptoms, so you don't even realise you have an infection. But if you do have symptoms, it's important to get them checked out by your doctor/health care provider.

In women, the most common STD symptoms are:

• Pain when you pee
• Pain when you have sex
• Bleeding in between your periods or when you've had sex
• Yellow, green, or bloody vaginal discharge
• Strong vaginal odour
• Itchy labia, vulva, or pubic hair
• Anal discharge
• Bumps, sores, warts or blisters on the genitals or anus area
• Abdominal pain

In men, the most common STD symptoms are:

• Pain when you pee or when you’ve sex
• Discharge from your penis or from your anus
• Bumps, sores, warts, or blisters in the genital or anus area
• Pain in one or both testicles

If you’ve got symptoms or think you might have an STD (because you’ve had unsafe sex), don’t ignore it!

Make an appointment with the doctor or go to an STD clinic.

Most STDs are easy to cure, especially if you get treated early. If left untreated, some STDs can cause infertility (Chlamydia) or can be fatal (HIV).

Click on each of the STDs below to read more about their specific symptoms. You'll also find more information on how you get it; how to prevent it; and how to get tested and treated for it.

Chlamydia
Gonorrhoea
Syphilis
Genital warts
Genital herpes
Water warts
Hepatitis B
HIV
Trichomoniasis
Pubic lice
Scabies
Bacterial vaginosis
Candida(Yeast Infection)