Where Do STDs Come From?

As we all know, sexually transmitted diseases are a hot topic these days when it comes to sexual health. Unfortunately, on a global scale the numbers of infections and confirmed cases have been steadily rising. With a severe lack of sexual education and an equal amount of ignorance from sexually active people who do not perform safe sex, it will be hard to make any drastic changes. However, even though there are these problems, there are still lots of questions, with the main one being "Where do they come from?"

Obviously they come from sexual acts, but the actual disease or virus causes more than 30 different viruses, and are caused by bacteria and parasites. Many of these organisms rely almost completely on sexual transmission to survive. In other words, if you have one of these infections, you most likely got it from sexual contact. Each type of virus or bacteria is specifically linked to certain sexually transmitted diseases.

The following shows the form of organism, bacteria or virus, and the STD that they are responsible for:
* Bacteria that cause gonorrhea (Neisseria gonorrhea)
* Bacteria that cause syphilis (Treponema pallidum)
* Bacteria that cause urethritis, cervicitis and pelvic inflammatory disease (Chlamydia trachomatis)
* Bacteria and intestinal parasites that cause rectal and anal pain, sometimes with severe diarrhea
* Single-celled organisms that cause urethritis, vaginitis, cervicitis and pelvic inflammatory disease (Trichomonas vaginalis)
* Viruses that cause cervical and anal cancer (human papillomavirus, also known as HPV, types 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52 and 58)
* Viruses that cause genital herpes (herpes simplex virus, also known as HSV, usually type 2 but sometimes type 1)

Sexual activity plays a major role in spreading a large percentage of the confirmed STD cases that are out there. Of course, in rare cases, some of these parasites can infect you through mere skin contact or in even rarer cases from contaminated food or water. Even though it is very unlikely, it is still possible that it could happen.

It is impossible to keep yourself 100% safe from all the dangers that are out there, but the more educated you are on topics such as sexually transmitted diseases, than the better chance you have of being safe and responsible towards them. It is your duty to be safe, and spread the word to others about the dangers that you could face.

STD Origins- many people wonder where STDs actually come from. What causes them? Find out how simple parasites can change your life for the worse.