What are the Worst STDs to Live With?

What are the Worst STDs to Live With?

It’s unwise to think that some STDs are harmless. The reality is, all sexually transmitted infections carry some degree of health risk –– for you, your partner(s), and, potentially, your children. If you suspect you may have an STD, it’s imperative that you get tested and seek treatment as soon as possible. Having said that, certain STDs are particularly dangerous to carry for long periods of time. Here’s a short rundown of some of the worst STDs to live with, and what you can do to protect your well-being:

HIV

Unsurprisingly, HIV is first on this list. Most people are probably familiar with the perils associated with HIV –– not to mention the possibility of developing AIDS as a result. However, it is worth noting that HIV can lead to a variety of health issues, from sickness and rashes, to organ failure and death. Sadly, HIV is a viral condition, which means that no cure currently exists. (Though, scientists are consistently making breakthroughs to find a cure.) Still, it’s critical for all sexually active individuals to get tested for HIV often, particularly if they’re part of a high-risk group (gay men, for instance). The sooner doctors identify HIV, the more effectively they can manage it. When in doubt, consult a professional!

Syphilis

Syphilis, like HIV, is a potentially fatal disease. Syphilis differs from HIV in two distinct ways, though. First, syphilis typically takes a long time to seriously threaten someone’s health. A person might have the disease for thirty years before they begin to face issues like internal bleeding or paralysis. The second difference is that syphilis is a bacterial disease and thus can be treated and cured completely with antibiotics.

Hepatitis

Hepatitis A, B, and C can spread through sexual activities. Though hepatitis is a viral disease, it may either manifest as acute (temporary) or chronic (long-lasting). In the worst case scenarios, hepatitis can lead to heavy fatigue, jaundiced skin, and liver failure.

Chlamydia & Gonorrhea

Chlamydia and gonorrhea are very similar diseases. They share similar symptoms and they present a lot of the same problems. Neither chlamydia nor gonorrhea are fatal diseases, but they can still cause major health issues like pelvic inflammatory disease, scarring of the urethra, infertility, and complications during pregnancy.

Herpes

Some might make the argument that herpes isn’t a dangerous STD. After all, herpes is non-fatal, extremely common, its symptoms are relatively mild, and it’s incurable. So what’s the point in worrying about it? The bad news is, herpes is more troublesome than most people realize. For one, herpes can cause complications during pregnancy –– particularly if left untreated. In addition, herpes symptoms may be mild, but then again, the sores may manifest in greater numbers and more frequently without medication. And lastly, there is a correlation between herpes and HIV transmission. Open herpes sores (or any open sores for that matter) can increase the likelihood of infected individuals spreading HIV during intercourse.