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Viral STDs
As the name suggests, viral sexually transmitted diseases or infections are caused by viruses. Viral STDs can be passed on during vaginal, anal, or oral sexual intercourse but also through touch and direct contact with infected blood in some cases. In recent years, the number of people in the US with viral STDs - especially genital warts and genital herpes - has been on the increase.
Although treatments for viral STDs are available some can’t be cured; like HIV, genital warts, genital herpes, and chronic hepatitis B. In the US, it’s believed that there are currently 65 million people living with an incurable STD.
Which STDs are viral?
The following STDs are caused by a virus passed through sexual contact:
- HIV (caused by the human immunodeficiency virus)
- Hepatitis B (caused by the hepatitis B virus)
- Genital herpes (caused by the herpes simplex virus type 2)
- Genital warts (caused by the human papilloma virus HPV)
How are viral STDs spread?
These STDs are mostly spread through unprotected vaginal, anal, and oral sex but a mother can also pass the virus on from herself to her child during childbirth or breastfeeding. It’s also possible for genital herpes (HSV-2) and HPV to spread by coming into direct contact with an infected area of skin, even if symptoms aren’t visible. This means that a condom can’t always protect you from contracting the infection. Genital herpes can in some cases be contracted from a person with cold sores (herpes simplex type 1) through oral sex and vice versa.
As well as vaginal secretion and semen, HIV and hepatitis B can also be contracted if you come into direct contact with contaminated blood or through sharing contaminated needles. These infections are very unlikely to spread through casual contact such as hugging, or sharing eating utensils.
How do I know I have a viral STD?
Similar to bacterial STDs, viral STDs don’t always make you feel ill straight away, but even if you are experiencing viral STD symptoms you’ll need to take an STD test or undergo a physical examination for an accurate diagnosis. Early HIV symptoms are usually not easily discernible from a flu or cold right after an infection has occurred, so it’s important to take an STD test if you think that you may have been infected.
The following are viral STD symptoms of hepatitis B, genital herpes, or genital warts:
Hepatitis B- Flu-like symptoms
- Fatigue
- Jaundice
- Itching
- Stomach pain, diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting
Genital herpes
- Redness, pain and/or itching
- Fluid filled blisters
- Pain when urinating
- Swollen glands
- Genital discharge
Genital warts
- The appearance of multiple projections on and around the genitals
- Itching or burning (rare)
How dangerous are viral STDs?
Not all viral STDs are dangerous, but some like HIV attack the body’s immune system to the point where a person’s health is at serious risk and can even result in death.
The HPV which causes genital warts can increase a woman’s risk of developing cervical cancer because it disturbs vaginal micro-organisms, but in general most people are able to live with genital warts without it causing significant discomfort or disruptions to their lives.
Outbreaks of genital herpes can be very uncomfortable, especially if it causes multiple outbreaks during a person’s lifetime, but these do tend to become less severe with time. Many people are able to live relatively normal lives after contracting it with the help of suppressive medications.
Most people recover from hepatitis B within the first couple of months after becoming infected without the help of treatment, but if the body isn’t able to fight it off naturally it can become chronic and can place your liver health at risk.
What treatments are available?
Although genital herpes, genital warts and chronic hepatitis B can’t be cured, there are antiviral medications and creams that can help control outbreaks and speed up recovery after an outbreak. These days HIV can be successfully managed with the help of anti-retrovirals to ensure that people with the infection remain healthy for as long as possible.
