A Complete Look at the Most Common STIs

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The most common STIs are human papillomavirus (HPV), chlamydia, and gonorrhea. Those infected can experience a wide range of infections to none at all, which makes it essential to get regular testing. This ensures that proper diagnoses and treatments are applied, and that future sexual activity is safer.

According to the CDC, there were more than 2.2 million reported sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in 2024. Compared to a decade ago, overall cases are 13% higher, so this is an ongoing health battle that won’t go away anytime soon.

While sexual intercourse is pleasurable and shouldn’t be something we shy away from, we should take all the steps necessary to protect not only ourselves, but also our partners. That way, we can do our part in the STI epidemic and keep ourselves healthy too.

The first step is learning about sexual wellness, and that starts with finding out what the most common STIs are, how to recognize them, and most importantly, how to treat and prevent them.

What Are the Top 3 Most Common STIs?

The top 3 most common STIs are:

1. Human papillomavirus (HPV)
2. Chlamydia
3. Gonorrhea

Cleveland Clinic says that there are over 30 strains of HPV that can affect your genitals, and over 100 types total. In addition, around 14 million people get HPV per year; it’s so common that most sexually active people who aren’t vaccinated against HPV will have it at some point in their lives.

As for chlamydia, the CDC says that over 1.5 million cases are reported every year. For gonorrhea, it’s over half a million cases yearly.

What’s the Worst STD to Catch?

The most serious STD is often considered to be HIV since it has a lifelong impact on your immune system. Also, if it’s left untreated, it can progress to AIDS, which leaves your body vulnerable to severe infections and diseases. Those with HIV need effective antiretroviral therapy to maintain a normal life expectancy.

Another bad STI to have is syphilis, especially if it’s untreated. It can lead to heart, brain, and nerve damage in the later stages. And while HPV and herpes may not be life-threatening, they may cause chronic discomfort and emotional stress, especially since there’s stigma attached to these infections.

All this to say that the “worst” STD to catch depends on personal health impact, as well as the infection’s long-term effects and what treatments are available.

STI Symptoms

STIs have a wide range of symptoms, depending on what exactly you have. Mayo Clinic has a detailed list of symptoms for common STIs, but here are some warning signs that something may be wrong:

• Unusual discharge from the penis or vagina
• Burning or pain during urination
• Itching
• Sores
• Blisters
• Rashes on the genitals or mouth
• Pelvic or lower abdominal pain

What’s tricky about STIs is that many are “silent,” meaning that you may not experience any symptoms at all. This is why it’s vital that you utilize STI testing options regularly, as these can detect possible STIs that you wouldn’t have been aware of.

Treatment Options

The type of treatment you get for an STI will depend on whether it’s bacterial, viral, or parasitic.

For example, bacterial STIs (such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis) can typically be cured with antibiotics. These can be prescribed by your doctor after they’ve examined and diagnosed you.

Viral infections (such as herpes, HPV, and HIV) have no cure. However, they can be managed with antiviral drugs, which suppress symptoms and improve your quality of life. In addition, they can reduce transmissions, making it safer to have sexual contact.

As for parasitic infections (such as trichomoniasis), they can usually be cleared with prescribed medications.

Prevention of Diseases

Dealing with an STI is never pleasant, and it can cause distress for you and your partners. So the best way to avoid this is to use safe sexual practices.

In general, you should use condoms or dental dams during all forms of sexual contact, even if it’s not penetrative sex. Barriers can greatly reduce transmission risk, even if you’re only having oral sex.

Plus, regular STI testing is essential. This is especially true if you have new or multiple partners. Getting vaccinated against HPV and hepatitis B can give you more protection too.

Most importantly, maintain open communication with your partners. Avoid sexual activity when you have active symptoms.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How Common Is an STD From a BJ?

Contracting an STD/STI from oral sex is less common than getting it from vaginal or anal intercourse, but it’s still possible. You can get infections like:

• Gonorrhea
• Herpes simplex virus (HSV-1 and HSV-2)
• Syphillis
• HPV
• Chlamydia

The chances of getting an STI from oral sex depend on:

• Type of infection
• Whether protection is used
• Presence of open sores or cuts in the mouth

For example, oral gonorrhea is more easily transmitted than HIV through oral sex.

Which STD Stays in Your Body Forever?

Some STIs are incurable since the viruses stay in your body forever. They include:

• HSV
• HPV
• HIV

While herpes can cause recurring blisters or sores, you can control the outbreaks with antiviral medications. Also, HPV often clears naturally, but do note that some strains can lead to genital warts or cancer.

Lastly, while HIV can turn into AIDS without treatment, it’s not as serious as it used to be. With modern antiviral therapy, most people with HIV can live long, healthy lives.

Protect Yourself With Sexual Health Education

You’ve now learned about the most common STIs, but the fact is, there are many more out there. This is why it’s important to practice safe sex, and have in-depth discussions with your partners about your sexual history and current activities.

Also, the key part of protecting yourself and others is getting regular STI tests, considering that some infections can be symptomless. If you don’t have an STI, then you can get a clean bill of health. And if you do have one, then you can get prompt and effective treatment.

Get in touch with us today if you’d like effective medications against STIs at affordable prices. Kiwi only uses licensed, regulated, and inspected pharmacy locations, and we guarantee delivery of every single order.