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Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are infections that are typically spread person-to-person by vaginal, anal, or oral intercourse. People at higher risk for STDs are those who don't use condoms, have more than one partner, have sex with others who have multiple partners, or use intravenous drugs and/or share needles. Managing your sexual health is an important way to prevent the spread of STDs

STDs include many diseases and there are many STD symptoms, only some of which cause skin changes visible to the naked eye. STDs that cause prominent skin changes are discussed here. For example, STDs that often display small bumps or growths are genital warts (condylomata) or molluscum contagiosum. Other STD symptoms, such as open sores or blisters on the genitals, might result from genital herpes, syphilis, chancroid, and lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV). STDs that cause itching may be due to acquired lice (crabs) or mites (scabies). Discharges from the penis or rectum may be seen with gonorrhea, while vaginal discharges are common with both gonorrhea and yeast infections.

Important infections that are not discussed here include chlamydia, HIV, hepatitis, later forms of syphilis, and certain forms of gonorrhea, which you can learn more about by using the VisualDxHealth Trusted Search functionality in the menu bar.

Searching for pictures of genital warts or other STDs? Click any of the pictures of sexually transmitted diseases below to learn more information.

Genital Wart (Condyloma Acuminata) Genital warts (condyloma acuminata) are caused by more than 30 types (strains) of human papillomavirus (HPV). The infection involves the genital area of men or women and is spread by skin-to-skin contact during…

Gonorrhea, Primary Infection Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted disease caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhea. It is a contagious sexually transmitted disease spread by unprotected oral, vaginal, or anal sex with an infected…

Genital Herpes Genital herpes, the herpes simplex virus infection of the genital area, is a common, recurrent skin condition associated with infection by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). HSV infection usually appears as small…

Lymphogranuloma Venereum (LGV) Lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) is an uncommon sexually transmitted disease caused by certain types of the bacteria called Chlamydia trachomatis. It is spread through having unprotected vaginal, oral…

Molluscum Contagiosum Molluscum is a common painless and usually harmless viral infection of the skin. Although it is painless and usually goes away after several months, some cases can last a few years.

Pubic Lice (Pediculosis Pubis) Pubic lice (pediculosis pubis), also known as crab lice or crabs, is a louse (a type of wingless, bloodsucking insect) that can live and multiply (infest) on skin that grows pubic hair. Pubic lice most commonly…

Primary Syphilis Primary syphilis is a disease caused by a corkscrew-shaped bacterium (a spirochete) called Treponema pallidum. It causes disease when it penetrates broken skin of the genitals or the mucous membranes of…