STD

STDs are sexually transmissible diseases, commonly called venereal diseases or STDs, and are infectious diseases transmitted between people only during sexual intercourse. Contrary to common belief, there is no risk of contracting an STD from toilets.

There are many forms of STDs spread by :

• bacteria (for example Gonococci in gonorrhoea, Treponema pallidum in syphilis, Chlamydia trachomatis in chlamydiases) ;
• viruses (HIV for Aids, HBV hepatitis B, HSV in herpes, etc.);
• (Candida albicans in candidiases) ; and
• protozoa (Trichomonas vaginalis in trichomoniasis).

They have different symptoms. They often cause skin disorders, irritation, itching or pain involving the genitals or anus (such as rectal lymphogranuloma venereum or LGV). However, the disease may be systemic (hepatitis B, AIDS, syphilis).

Now they are usually referred to as sexually transmissible infections, or STIs.