COMPREHENSIVE LIST OF SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES (STDs) AND SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS (STIs)

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Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are infections primarily spread through vaginal, anal, or oral sexual contact. Some can also be transmitted from mother to child during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding, and some may spread through blood exposure.

BACTERIAL SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS

1. Chlamydia

Caused by: Chlamydia trachomatis

Common Symptoms

  • Pain during urination
  • Abnormal vaginal discharge
  • Penile discharge
  • Pelvic pain
  • Bleeding between periods

Possible Complications

  • Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
  • Infertility
  • Ectopic pregnancy
  • Chronic pelvic pain

2. Gonorrhea

Caused by: Neisseria gonorrhoeae

Common Symptoms

  • Painful urination
  • Thick discharge from penis or vagina
  • Pelvic pain
  • Rectal infection
  • Sore throat

Possible Complications

  • Infertility
  • Pelvic inflammatory disease
  • Bloodstream infection

3. Syphilis

Caused by: Treponema pallidum

Stages

  • Primary syphilis
  • Secondary syphilis
  • Latent syphilis
  • Tertiary syphilis

Possible Complications

  • Brain damage
  • Heart damage
  • Blindness
  • Paralysis

4. Lymphogranuloma Venereum (LGV)

Symptoms

  • Small genital ulcer
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Rectal inflammation

5. Chancroid

Symptoms

  • Painful genital sores
  • Swollen groin lymph nodes

6. Mycoplasma genitalium Infection

Symptoms

  • Urethritis
  • Cervicitis
  • Pelvic pain

VIRAL SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS

7. Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)

Effects

HIV attacks the immune system and may progress to AIDS if untreated.

Possible Complications

  • Opportunistic infections
  • Certain cancers
  • Severe immune suppression

8. Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

Important Facts

HPV is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections worldwide.

Associated Cancers

  • Cervical cancer
  • Anal cancer
  • Penile cancer
  • Vulvar cancer
  • Vaginal cancer
  • Throat cancers

Other Effects

  • Genital warts

9. Genital Herpes (HSV)

Caused by:

  • Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 (HSV-1)
  • Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 (HSV-2)

Symptoms

  • Painful blisters
  • Genital sores
  • Recurring outbreaks

10. Hepatitis B

Effects

  • Liver inflammation
  • Liver cirrhosis
  • Liver cancer

Prevention

  • Vaccination

11. Hepatitis C

Effects

  • Chronic liver disease
  • Liver failure
  • Liver cancer

12. Molluscum Contagiosum

Symptoms

  • Small flesh-colored skin bumps

13. Cytomegalovirus (CMV)

Effects

Usually mild in healthy adults but can be dangerous during pregnancy.

PARASITIC SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS

14. Trichomoniasis

Caused by: Trichomonas vaginalis

Symptoms

  • Vaginal itching
  • Frothy discharge
  • Burning urination
  • Genital irritation

Complications

  • Increased HIV risk
  • Pregnancy complications

15. Pubic Lice (Crabs)

Symptoms

  • Intense itching
  • Visible lice or eggs

16. Scabies

Symptoms

  • Severe itching
  • Skin rash
  • Burrows in skin

FUNGAL INFECTIONS SOMETIMES ASSOCIATED WITH SEXUAL ACTIVITY

17. Genital Candidiasis (Yeast Infection)

Caused by: Candida species

Symptoms

  • Itching
  • Thick white discharge
  • Redness

Although not usually classified as a traditional STI, sexual activity can contribute to transmission in some cases.

SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS LINKED TO CANCER

HPV-Associated Cancers

  • Cervical cancer
  • Anal cancer
  • Penile cancer
  • Vulvar cancer
  • Vaginal cancer
  • Oropharyngeal cancer

Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C

  • Liver cancer

HIV-Associated Increased Cancer Risks

  • Kaposi sarcoma
  • Certain lymphomas
  • Cervical cancer

COMMON WARNING SIGNS OF STIs

Many STIs produce no symptoms initially.

Possible warning signs include:

  • Genital sores
  • Genital ulcers
  • Abnormal vaginal discharge
  • Penile discharge
  • Painful urination
  • Pelvic pain
  • Pain during intercourse
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Genital itching
  • Genital warts
  • Skin rashes
  • Unexplained fever

HOW TO REDUCE THE RISK OF STIs

Prevention Measures

  • Consistent and correct condom use
  • Mutual monogamy with an uninfected partner
  • Regular STI screening
  • Prompt treatment of infections
  • HPV vaccination
  • Hepatitis B vaccination
  • Avoid sharing needles
  • Open communication with healthcare providers

STIs THAT MAY CAUSE INFERTILITY IF UNTREATED

Particularly important for couples planning families:

  • Chlamydia
  • Gonorrhea
  • Syphilis (indirect complications)
  • Mycoplasma genitalium
  • Pelvic inflammatory disease resulting from untreated infections

ABOUT THE AUTHOR


Hon. Dr. Abiazim Chima is a health educator, public awareness advocate, writer, and publisher dedicated to advancing maternal health, reproductive health education, family wellbeing, and public health awareness through evidence-based educational content.

PUBLICATION DISCLAIMER

This information is provided for educational and public awareness purposes only. It does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Individuals who suspect exposure to a sexually transmitted infection should consult a qualified healthcare professional for testing, diagnosis, and appropriate care.

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