Common Sexually Transmitted Diseases

The following section discusses the eight most common STDs in North America, grouped by symptoms. Information on other sexually related diseases can be found in "Curing Vaginal Infections" and "The Persistent Threat of AIDS." The first group discussed here, Human Papillomavirus (HPV), Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV), syphilis, and chancroid, is characterized primarily by lumps, bumps, and sores. The second group, chlamydia and gonorrhea, is characterized mainly by vaginal discharge. The last section covers pubic lice and scabies, the hallmark of which is itching. Each disease has more than one symptom, but this arrangement will get you started. You can also check for additional details in the box on "Matching Your Symptoms to an STD."

Matching Your Symptoms to an STD It is important for your doctor to know as much as possible about your condition, since, if you have an STD, you will want it to be properly diagnosed. Check the following chart and read the matching sections on the infection you think you might have. Then give your doctor as many specifics as you can.
If you've noticed:	See the sections on:
Fever	Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) Chlamydia, Gonorrhea
Flu-like symptoms	Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) Syphilis
Hair loss	Syphilis
Itching or tingling in the genital area	Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) Pubic lice, Scabies
Itching on the body	Pubic lice, Scabies
Lower abdominal or rectal pain	Chlamydia, Gonorrhea
Painful urination	Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) Chlamydia, Gonorrhea
Rash	Syphilis Gonorrhea Scabies
Sore vulva	Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) Gonorrhea
Sores or blisters	Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) Syphilis Chancroid
Swollen glands	Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) Syphilis Chancroid
Unusual vaginal bleeding	Chlamydia, Gonorrhea
Vaginal discharge	Chlamydia, Gonorrhea
Warts or other growths	Human Papillomavirus (HPV)