STD case rates have been rising across the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have been tracking this increase in STDs for some time. Some STDs are far more common than others which begs the question; what are some of the most common STDs? Let’s take a look:

Human Papillomavirus, or HPV

According to the CDC, the most common STD is human papillomavirus, or HPV. The first thing to know about HPV is how it spreads. The infection is transmitted through vaginal, anal and oral sex. Symptoms do not need to be present in order for the virus to spread.
Many times, HPV will develop symptoms such as genital warts. This can be diagnosed and treated by a doctor. One of the long term health effects of HPV can be cancer. HPV has been linked to cervical, vulvar, penile, vaginal, oral and anal cancer. In some cases it has even caused cancer of the back of the throat and the base of the tongue. There is no way of knowing who will develop cancer from HPV.
Currently, there are many campaigns to get younger people vaccinated for HPV. The HPV vaccine has shown to decrease the infection in younger people. Speak to a doctor if you are interested in getting your child vaccinated for HPV.

Trichomoniasis

Trichomoniasis is an incredibly common STD. Trichomoniasis is an infection caused by a parasite known as Trichomonas vaginalis. According to the CDC, only about 30% of people that have trich have any symptoms. Most males with trichomoniasis do not have any signs or symptoms. However, some males may have a temporary irritation inside the penis, mild discharge or notice a slight burning after urination or ejaculation. Some females may have signs or symptoms which include discharge, unusual odor, itching in or around the vagina, pain during sex or pain when urinating.
Trichomoniasis is completely curable and is usually treated with a round of antibiotics. If you are prescribed treatment, use all the medicine prescribed, even if your symptoms go away. Your sex partners must also be treated, or you can get trich again. To avoid being infected once again, don’t have sex until all partners have finished the medication.

Chlamydia and Gonorrhea

Chlamydia is a common STD that is spread through vaginal, anal or oral sex. It can infect both men and women. If left untreated, chlamydia can cause other, more serious health issues. Chlamydia can cause serious, permanent damage to a woman’s reproductive system, which can make it difficult or even impossible to get pregnant. Chlamydia can also cause a potentially fatal ectopic pregnancy, or a pregnancy that occurs outside of the womb. Signs of chlamydia infection include a genital discharge and a burning sensation with urination. Commonly, people will have a chlamydia infection and show no signs or symptoms.
Gonorrhea is an STD that can also affect both men and women. According to the CDC, it can cause infections in the genitals, rectum and throat. Gonorrhea is a very common infection, especially among young people ages 15 to 24 years. Gonorrhea can be spread through vaginal, anal or oral sex. It can also be passed from mother to child during childbirth. Like chlamydia, the symptoms for a gonorrhea infection are a genital discharge and a burning sensation with urination. Not everyone with a gonorrhea infection will show signs or symptoms.
Both of these STDs have been rising at alarming rates through the United States. Chlamydia is the most commonly reported STD in all 50 states. Gonorrhea, like other bacterial infections, has been reported to be developing antibiotic resistance which is making treatment more difficult. It is important to remember that oftentimes a person will be infected with both chlamydia and gonorrhea.