Explanation:
The main difference between these two categories of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), now more commonly referred to as sexually transmitted infections, or STIs, is what causes them — bacterial STIs are caused by bacteria and viral STIs are caused by viruses. As a result of being caused by different microorganisms, bacterial and viral STIs vary in their treatment. Bacterial STIs, such as gonorrhea, syphilis, and chlamydia, are often cured with antibiotics. Viral STIs, such as HIV, HPV ( which may cause certain types of cancers and genital warts), herpes, and hepatitis — the four Hs — have no cure. However many of their symptoms can be alleviated with treatment. And fortunately, there are vaccines available to help prevent both HPV and hepatitis; talking with your health care provider about whether you should be vaccinated for either of these infections is a good idea.
In addition to bacteria and viruses, STIs can also be caused by protozoa (trichomoniasis) and other organisms (crabs/pubic lice and scabies). These STIs can be cured with antibiotics or topical creams/lotions.
One of the most common symptoms of an STI is no symptom (for example, up to 75 percent of women and 50 percent of men diagnosed with chlamydia may not experience symptoms), so it's important to get tested for STIs when you think you may have been exposed. STIs need to be diagnosed correctly and fully treated as soon as possible to avoid complications that could be serious and/or permanent. The American Sexual Health Association(link is external) is one comprehensive place for information and resources about STI symptoms, treatment, and much more.
Most of all, prevention rules. If you're sexually active with more than one person, or with someone who's sexually active with others, "respect yourself, protect yourself" by having safer sex and getting regular check-ups. To learn more about specific STIs and safer sex strategies, check out the Go Ask Alice! Sexual and Reproductive Health Archive.
There are 3 main categories of STIs: parasitic, bacterial, and viral.
Parasitic: Two well-known parasites are public lice (crabs) and scabies. Though these are uncomfortable and still require a prescription medication to treat, there are little to no long term health effects from having these. These infections are also not limited to the genital area and can appear almost anywhere on a person.Bacterial: Common bacterial infections are gonorrhea, chlamydia, and syphilis. Generally, bacterial infections are easy to treat with moderate negative health outcomes in left untreated. Gonorrhea and chlamydia often do not have symptoms, are easy to treat, and have moderate side effects if left untreated. When left untreated, gonorrhea and chlamydia have been known to lead to infertility in both women and men. Syphilis is unique in that it typically has symptoms (a sore at the site of infection and unique rash on hands and feet) soon after infection, but then they subside. If a person has untreated syphilis, the infection can become fatal. Syphilis is incredibly easy to treat once detected.Viral: Viral infections are typically more serious infections with higher rates of negative health outcomes. Common viral STIs include HIV, Herpes, HPV, and Hepatitis. Though a cure for Hepatitis C is available, there are currently no other viral STI cures. When someone has a viral STI, it is recommended to increase monitoring to catch any negative outcomes early on and use management medication when possible.
