July 10, 2025
Sexually transmitted infections are a serious yet often misunderstood part of sexual health. In a world full of both information and misinformation, understanding how these infections spread, their risks, and how to protect yourself is more important than ever.
This guide is for everyone—regardless of age, lifestyle, or where you live. We’ll break down the different types, causes, transmission methods, and common signs to watch for. You’ll also learn when to get tested, how often, and what could happen if infections go untreated.
STDs, also called STIs (sexually transmitted infections), are infections passed through vaginal, oral, or anal sex. The term STI highlights the early stage—when you may have no symptoms—while STD refers to the disease stage, when symptoms appear. Both terms describe the same types of infections.
The causes lies in direct contact with bodily fluids—blood, semen, vaginal fluids, and sometimes saliva.
Even if you use protection, it can still spread through skin-to-skin contact, like herpes or HPV. Others may spread from saliva, kissing, or even toilet seats—though that’s extremely rare.
| Type | Symptoms | Diagnosis |
| Trichomoniasis – Parasitic Infection | – Genital itching/irritation – Frothy, foul-smelling discharge – Burning sensation during urination | – Microscopy (Wet Mount Test) – Antigen Detection Test – Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (NAAT) – Culture Test |
| Gonorrhea – Bacterial Infection | – Burning sensation during urination – Green/yellow discharge – Painful/swollen testicles – Vaginal bleeding – Throat soreness | – Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (NAAT) – Swab and Culture Test – Rapid Gonorrhea Test |
| Chlamydia – Bacterial Infection | – Painful urination – Lower abdominal pain – Unusual discharge – Pain during intercourse Most chlamydia infections are silent, especially in women. | – Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (NAAT) – Urine Test – Swab Tests |
| HPV (Human Papillomavirus) – Viral Infection | Early diagnosis can help prevent: Cervical Cancer, Anal Cancer, and Throat cancer -Often no symptoms -Genital warts | – Pap Smear (Pap Test) – HPV DNA Test (High-Risk HPV Test) – Visual Examination (For Genital Warts) – Colposcopy and Biopsy |
| Herpes- Viral Infection HSV-1 : Oral Herpes HSV-2 : Genital and/or Oral Herpes | – Painful blisters or sores – Tingling or burning sensations – Flu-like symptoms in early stages | – Visual Exam by a Doctor – Swab Test – Blood Test (Antibody Test) |
| HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) – Viral Infection | – Flu-like symptoms – Fever – Fatigue – Rash – Sore throat | – HIV Antigen/Antibody Test (4th Generation Test) – Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (NAAT) -HIV RNA Test |
| Syphilis – Bacterial Infection (Multi-stage) | – Painless sore (primary stage) – Rash on hands, feet, body (secondary) – Swollen lymph nodes – Neurological symptoms – Severe headaches, Vision or hearing loss, memory problems, Muscle weakness or coordination issues (Late stage – neurosyphilis) | – Blood Tests – Swab of a Syphilis Sore (Chancre) – Cerebrospinal Fluid Test (For Late-Stage Cases) |
Did You Know?
The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH) mandates premarital screening for STIs like HIV and syphilis to help reduce the spread of infections and protect reproductive health.
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but here’s a general guide:
| Group | Recommended Testing Frequency |
| Sexually active women <25 | At least once a year |
| Gay, bisexual, or MSM | Every 3–6 months (depending on partners) |
| Individuals with multiple partners | Every 6–12 months |
| Pregnant women | Early in pregnancy, then possibly later again |
| Anyone with a new partner(s) | Before engaging in unprotected sex |
If you’re showing early symptoms, don’t wait—get tested right away. You can also use home test kits for privacy and convenience.
You should visit a doctor (Usually Family medicine) or clinic if:
Many people delay care due to shame or fear, but seeking help shows strength. They are common, and doctors are there to help, not judge.
When left untreated they don’t just go away on their own. Over time, they can cause a wide range of health complications, some of which may be permanent. The table below breaks down the risks based on gender and overall health impact:
| Category | Complications |
| For Women | – Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) – Infertility – Ectopic pregnancy – Pregnancy complications |
| For Men | – Epididymitis (inflammation of the testicles) – Reduced fertility – Prostatitis |
| General Complications | – Increased risk of HIV – Chronic joint pain – Neurological issues – Heart and liver damage – Emotional and relationship strain |
Some Sexually Transmitted diseases, like HIV and herpes, are untreatable, but with early detection and proper medications, symptoms can be managed and further transmission prevented.
Prevention starts with awareness. Here’s how to reduce your risk:
And yes, even with all precautions, Sexually Transmitted Diseases and Infections can happen, but you can minimize the impact with smart habits and regular checkups.
Here’s the truth: sexually transmitted infections are common—but they’re also manageable, preventable, and often curable. Whether you’re exploring causes, symptoms, or how they affect different age or social groups, awareness is key.
It’s time to break the stigma and start open conversations—especially in underserved communities, including rural areas, the LGBTQ+ population, and across racial and age divides.
Take ownership of your health. Ask the uncomfortable questions. Get tested regularly. And if you think something’s off, trust your gut and talk to Family Medicine/ STD doctor.
Knowledge is protection. Action is empowerment.
Reference: DOH
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