What is the difference between a bacterial STD and viral STD?

Bacterial sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are caused by bacteria, which are single-celled microorganisms. Bacterial STDs include:

* Chlamydia: A common STD that can be asymptomatic, especially in women. Symptoms can include a burning sensation during urination, discharge from the vagina or penis, pain in the lower abdomen, fever, and swollen lymph nodes.

* Gonorrhea: A highly contagious STD that causes symptoms such as a burning sensation during urination, discharge from the penis or vagina, pain in the lower abdomen, fever, and joint pain.

* Syphilis: A chronic STD that begins with a painless sore at the infection site. If left untreated, syphilis can progress to several stages, causing a variety of symptoms including a rash, fever, hair loss, joint pain, and neurological problems.

* Urethritis: Inflammation of the urethra, the tube that carries urine out of the body. Urethritis can be caused by bacteria, including chlamydia and gonorrhea. Symptoms include a burning sensation during urination, discharge from the penis or vagina, pain in the lower abdomen, and fever.

Viral sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are caused by viruses, which are even smaller microorganisms than bacteria. Viral STDs include:

* Herpes simplex virus type 1 and type 2 (HSV-1 and HSV-2): HSV-1 causes oral herpes, while HSV-2 causes genital herpes. Herpes symptoms can include blisters or ulcers on the mouth, genitals, or buttocks; fever; and muscle aches.

* Human papillomavirus (HPV): HPV is the most common STD, and there are many different strains of HPV. Some strains of HPV can cause warts on the skin or genitals, while other strains can lead to cervical, vulvar, anal, and penile cancers.

* Hepatitis B: Hepatitis B is a liver infection that can be transmitted through sexual contact. Symptoms can include fatigue, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dark urine, and joint pain.

* Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV): HIV is a virus that attacks the body's immune system. If left untreated, HIV can lead to AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome), a fatal disease. HIV symptoms can include fever, fatigue, weight loss, lymph node swelling, and diarrhea.

Bacterial and viral STDs are spread in different ways. Bacterial STDs are spread through direct contact with the infected person's bodily fluids, such as semen, vaginal fluid, or blood. Viral STDs are spread through direct contact with the infected person's skin or bodily fluids. Symptoms, treatments and duration also differ substantially by STD.

Most bacterial and viral STDs are curable if treated promptly, but some, like HSV-1/2 and HIV, do not have cures

It is important to practice safe sex, such as using condoms, to protect yourself from STDs. If you think you may have an STD, talk to your doctor to get tested and begin treatment immediately.