Planning for a romantic evening with your partner, perhaps one that is followed by a nightcap, and some hot, heavy and steamy romance under the sheets? Or maybe you’re a bit of a wild soul and prefer an occasional date or two and like to keep yourself unhitched. Whatever your preferences may be, it’s important to recognize the signs and dangers of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) to get an appropriate STD treatment at the earliest.

Some common STDs among women include:

1. Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

There are over 40 types of HPV, which can infect the genitals, throat and mouth, spreading from person-to-person via oral, vaginal or anal sex. It can also spread through skin-to-skin contact with an infected person. While not overtly harmful, some strains of HPV can lead to severe problems like cervical cancer and genital warts, especially in women. Fortunately there are vaccines for HPV that can prevent outbreak, and OTC drugs that can be taken for this STD treatment.

2. Chlamydia

Bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis spreads from an infected person during a sexual intercourse with a healthy partner. Barely showing symptoms, if you suffer from painful urination and vaginal discharge, it is best to get a thorough checkup. Chlamydia, without proper STD treatment, can cause infertility and inflammatory diseases of the pelvic in women. But it is treatable with antibiotics.

3. Trichomoniasis

This parasitic infection gets passed between partners during sexual intercourse; man to woman, woman to man, or even woman to woman. The parasite develops inside the woman’s urethra or vagina and doesn’t spread through skin contact. Itching or urinal burning is a symptom, though not common, and antibiotic medicines are a part of its STD treatment.

4. Gonorrhea

This is yet another common bacterial STD that infects the lining of a woman’s uterus (and reproductive tract). Gonorrhea can also develop in the mouth, throat, eyes, and urethra. It spreads through sexual intercourse between an infected and a healthy couple. This STD has mild to zero symptoms, some of which include white, yellowish or green vaginal discharge and painful urination. Vaginal bleeding may also occur and pregnant women with gonorrhea can pass on the disease to their baby. Common STD treatment for this involves intake of antibiotics, without which the risk of pregnancy complications or infertility doubles.

5. Genital Herpes

This infection is caused by the Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV), either type 1 or 2, via oral, anal or vaginal sex between an infected and a healthy individual. The symptoms of genital herpes vary. Mild symptoms are barely noticeable, while severe symptoms include lesions around the mouth, genitals or rectum, which can burst and turn into painful sores. Genital herpes is extremely contagious and the virus spreads easily via skin contact. There is no cure for genital herpes, but medicines and regular hygiene can prevent outbreaks and ease pain to a great extent.
While these are the most commonly occurring STDs, the list does not end. One of the most dangerous sexually transmitted diseases, HIV has no cure, and this is a major reason why proper screening and timely STD treatment is a must. Sexual promiscuity, while quite fun, might pose a threat to your health, especially when unprotected sex is practiced, that too with different partners. Personal and sexual hygiene, proper health care and a prudent mind can save you from untimely STD attacks and prolonged medical risks over the course of time.