STD: How Many Types? More Than Just HIV! Protect Yourself Now
STD or STDs (Sexually transmitted diseases) are infections passed from one person to another through sexual contact, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex. While some STDs show obvious symptoms, many do not—making it possible to unknowingly spread the infection to others.
Today, STDs are once again a rising public health concern, especially among young adults and working-age populations who may engage in unprotected sex or have multiple partners without regular screening.
This article will guide you through the essentials of STD awareness: what they are, how many types exist, which infections are most common in Thailand, how they spread, and—most importantly—how to protect yourself and your partner. If you’ve ever thought “I don’t need to worry,” this guide may change your mind.
What Is an STD? Understanding Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Sexually Transmitted Diseases, commonly known as STDs, are infections that are primarily spread through sexual contact. This includes vaginal, anal, and oral sex—especially when protection such as condoms is not used properly or at all.
While sexual transmission is the most common route, some STDs can also be passed through blood, bodily fluids, or from mother to child during pregnancy or childbirth. Many people with STDs show no symptoms, making it possible to transmit the infection unknowingly.
There are many types of STDs, including gonorrhea, syphilis, genital warts (HPV), herpes, HIV, and hepatitis B/C. Some of these infections are curable with proper treatment, while others may remain in the body long term and require ongoing management.
How Many Types of STDs Are There? Understanding the Four Main Pathogens
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) include a wide variety of infections, which can be classified based on the type of pathogen that causes them. The four main groups are:
- Bacterial Infections Often curable with antibiotics. Examples include:
- Viral Infections Some can be managed but not cured. Examples include:
- Parasitic Infections Transmitted through close contact or sexual activity. Examples include:
- Pubic lice (crabs)
- Trichomoniasis
- Fungal Infections Caused by yeast overgrowth, commonly in the vaginal area. Example:
- Candidiasis (yeast infection)
Each group requires different methods of diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. If you suspect exposure or symptoms, it’s important to seek medical evaluation promptly.
Common STDs Found in Thailand
Although there are many types of STDs, several infections are particularly common in Thailand, especially among young adults and sexually active individuals. These include:
- Gonorrhea Caused by bacteria, symptoms include painful urination and genital discharge.
- Chlamydia Often asymptomatic but can lead to infertility if untreated, especially in women.
- Syphilis Begins with a painless sore. If left untreated, it can affect internal organs and the nervous system.
- Genital Herpes (HSV) Causes painful blisters or sores in the genital area. The virus remains in the body for life.
- HPV and Genital Warts Some strains cause warts, others are linked to cervical and anal cancer.
- HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) Affects the immune system. May not show symptoms for years but leads to AIDS if untreated.
- Hepatitis B/C Spread through blood and sexual contact. Can cause chronic liver disease and liver cancer.
Regular STD screening is essential—even for those without symptoms—as early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes.
How Are STDs Transmitted? (Most People Get This Wrong!)
Many assume that STDs are only spread through penetrative sex, but in reality, transmission can occur in several lesser-known ways:
- Unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex STDs can easily spread when condoms are not used or not used correctly.
- Oral sex Infections such as herpes, gonorrhea, and syphilis can be transmitted via the mouth—even if there’s no penetration.
- Contact with bodily fluids, blood, or infected sores Even microscopic cuts or tears in the skin can allow transmission.
- Mother to child STDs like HIV, syphilis, and herpes can be passed from mother to baby during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding.
- Sharing needles or contaminated instruments This includes needles used for drug injection, tattooing, or piercing.
Understanding how STDs are transmitted is the first step in preventing their spread and protecting yourself and others.
What Are the Symptoms of STDs?
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) often show no symptoms—especially in early stages. Many people may carry and transmit infections without realizing it. However, here are common signs to watch out for:
In men:
- Painful urination or discharge from the penis
- Sores, blisters, or rashes on the genitals
- Pain during intercourse or ejaculation
- Swollen testicles
In women:
- Unusual vaginal discharge with a bad odor
- Lower abdominal pain or pain during sex
- Genital sores, blisters, or rashes
- Frequent or painful urination
In both sexes:
- Sores or rashes on the mouth, throat, or anus
- Small, painful blisters (e.g., herpes)
- Swollen lymph nodes in the groin
- Fever, fatigue, or body rash (common in secondary syphilis)
Since some infections show no symptoms at all, regular STD screening is vital—especially for those at higher risk.
How Serious Are Different STDs? (Severity Comparison)
STDs vary in severity—from infections that are easily curable to lifelong diseases that can lead to cancer or even death if left untreated.
Treatable if caught early:
- Gonorrhea / Chlamydia: Fully curable with antibiotics when diagnosed early
- Syphilis (early stage): Effectively treated with penicillin injections
Chronic or recurring infections:
- Herpes (HSV): The virus remains in the body for life and can recur during immune suppression
- HPV (certain high-risk strains): Linked to cervical and anal cancers in the long term
- Hepatitis B/C: May lead to chronic hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, or liver cancer
Life-threatening if untreated:
- HIV: Attacks the immune system and can progress to AIDS without treatment
- Late-stage syphilis: Can damage the brain, heart, and bones over time
Understanding the potential complications of each STD highlights the importance of early testing and preventive care.
Why Are Women More Likely to Have Undetected STDs Than Men?
While STDs can affect all genders, women are often more vulnerable to undetected infections due to several biological and behavioral factors:
1. Anatomy
The female genital tract is more exposed and lined with delicate mucous membranes, making it easier for pathogens to enter and infect.
2. Subtle or no symptoms
Infections like chlamydia or HPV may show little to no symptoms in women but can lead to serious complications such as infertility or cervical cancer.
3. Misinterpreting warning signs
Changes in discharge, odor, or discomfort are sometimes dismissed as “normal” female issues rather than signs of infection.
4. Less frequent screening
Many women delay or avoid sexual health check-ups, especially if they have no symptoms, leading to missed early diagnoses.
Because of this, regular STD screenings are strongly recommended for all women, especially those of reproductive age—even when no symptoms are present.
Risky Misconceptions That Can Lead to STD Infection Without You Knowing
Many people believe that being monogamous or “clean-looking” means being safe from STDs. However, certain habits and assumptions can put you at high risk without realizing it.
Myth: “I only have one partner, so I’m safe.”
Your partner may not know they’re infected, or might have had previous exposures before being with you.
Myth: “Oral sex is safe.”
STDs like syphilis, gonorrhea, herpes, and HPV can be transmitted through oral contact—even without penetration.
Myth: “No symptoms = No infection.”
Some infections, such as HPV, chlamydia, or HIV, often have no noticeable symptoms early on.
Impaired judgment from alcohol
Alcohol use can lower inhibitions and lead to unsafe sex with strangers or forgetting to use protection.
Being aware of these risky behaviors and correcting these misconceptions is key to protecting your health and your partners.
Effective Ways to Prevent STDs
Preventing sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) isn’t just about using condoms—it’s about practicing safer sex and taking charge of your sexual health through knowledge and action.
1. Use condoms every time
Whether vaginal, anal, or oral sex, condoms significantly reduce the risk of STD transmission when used correctly.
2. Get regular STD screenings
Especially if you have multiple partners or are starting a new relationship. Annual screening is recommended.
3. Get vaccinated
Vaccines like HPV (for genital warts and cervical cancer) and hepatitis B are effective preventive tools.
4. Avoid high-risk behaviors
Avoid excessive alcohol use, never share needles, and reduce the number of sexual partners.
STD Risk Self-Assessment (Checklist)
Even without symptoms, certain behaviors can significantly increase your risk of contracting an STD. Answering “yes” to any of the following questions means you should consider getting tested.
Quick Risk Checklist:
- Have you ever had sex without a condom or with improper condom use?
- Have you had more than one sexual partner in the past 6 months?
- Have you had sex with someone whose sexual history you didn’t know?
- Have you noticed itching, rashes, sores, or unusual discharge?
- Have you engaged in unprotected oral or anal sex?
- Have you shared needles or had tattoos/piercings with non-sterile tools?
- Has your partner ever been diagnosed with an STD or had high-risk behavior?
If you’re unsure about any of your answers, getting tested is the best way to protect your health and peace of mind.
STDs and Pregnancy – What Are the Risks?
Contracting a sexually transmitted disease (STD) during pregnancy can have serious consequences for both the mother and baby. Timely diagnosis and treatment are crucial for a safe pregnancy.
Potential risks include:
- Miscarriage or preterm labor: Infections like syphilis, gonorrhea, or bacterial vaginosis can increase these risks.
- Infection during delivery: Herpes and gonorrhea can infect the baby during vaginal birth.
- Congenital infections: Untreated syphilis or HIV may cause birth defects or severe illness in the newborn.
- Stillbirth or neonatal death: A preventable tragedy when STDs go untreated.
Prevention tips:
- Get screened for STDs early in pregnancy and again in the second/third trimester if at risk
- Use condoms consistently during pregnancy if partner’s status is unknown
- Avoid sex with partners who may be infected or haven’t been tested
Protecting sexual health during pregnancy is an essential part of safeguarding both maternal and infant well-being.
Where Can You Get Tested for STDs? What to Prepare Before Your Visit
STD testing is easier and more discreet than most people think. It’s a vital step for anyone who’s sexually active—especially those with multiple partners or past exposure risks.
Where to get tested:
- Public hospitals: General medicine clinics, dermatology, or infectious disease units
- Private hospitals: Offer confidential services, often with faster results
- STD/sexual health clinics: Safe Clinic—open to both locals and foreigners
How to prepare:
- Avoid sex for 24–48 hours before the test
- Inform the provider of any symptoms or concerns
- Be ready for sample collection (blood, urine, or swab) depending on the tests needed
- Bring past medical records or test results if available
Cost varies by clinic and test package, typically ranging from THB 1,000–5,000. Some clinics offer combo screening packages.
Read more: STD Checklist, Where’s, Price, what’s list, how to prepare yourself
Conclusion: Why Everyone Should Know About STDs and Get Regular Screenings
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are not just a concern for “certain people”—they are a health issue for everyone. You can get infected even with a single partner, and many STDs don’t show symptoms at all while still causing long-term damage.
Understanding STDs helps you:
- Protect yourself effectively: Don’t fall for myths like “no symptoms = no infection”
- Maintain responsible relationships: Avoid unknowingly passing infections to partners
- Take control of your health: Testing is not shameful—it’s self-care
- Prevent serious future consequences: Such as cancer (from HPV) or infertility due to chronic infections
Sexual health starts with knowledge. Learning about STDs and getting regular check-ups is one of the smartest ways to protect both your body and your future.
Frequently Asked Questions About STDs
Is an STD the same as a venereal disease?
Answer: Yes. “Venereal disease” is the older term for what we now call “sexually transmitted disease” or STD.
Should I get tested if I don’t have symptoms?
Answer: Absolutely. Many STDs, like chlamydia, HPV, or HIV, can be asymptomatic but still cause long-term harm.
Can you get an STD from oral sex?
Answer: Yes. Herpes, syphilis, gonorrhea, and HPV can all be spread through oral contact.
Are STDs curable?
Answer: Some are. Bacterial STDs are usually curable with antibiotics; viral ones like herpes and HIV can be managed, but not cured.
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