Types of STIs
Bacterial STIs are infections caused by different types of germs called bacteria. These include:
- Chlamydia
- Gonorrhea
- Syphilis
Viral infections are caused by viruses, which are living germs even smaller than bacteria. These include:
- Herpes
- HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus, a virus that weakens your immune system and makes your body vulnerable to life-threatening illnesses)
- HPV (Human Papillomavirus, which can cause genital warts and cell changes on the cervix)
- Hepatitis B
Parasitic infections are caused by a parasite (an organism like a small insect that lives on or inside an animal or human). Some examples are:
- Crabs (pubic lice)
- Scabies
- Trichomoniasis (trich)
It’s good to know the difference between these STIs since bacterial and parasitic infections can usually be cured, and viruses usually can’t.
