Last Updated on June 4, 2020 by Debra Rose Wilson, PhD, MSN, RN, IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT
There are 3 different kinds of STDs: bacterial, viral, and parasitic.
Parasitic STDs are caused by parasites passed from person-to-person and depending on the STD, can be transmitted during sexual activity; during non-sexual contact with another individual; from mother to infant during birth, or breastfeeding; and in some instances, from towels, or other objects that come in contact with an infected individual (see STD in-depths for details about how each STD is transmitted).
There are 5 STDs/STIs in this category: Intestinal Parasites, Pubic Lice, Scabies, Trichomoniasis, and Vaginitis.
Parasitic infections are parasites (tiny bugs) that live inside and/or outside of the body. Scabies, pubic lice, and certain types of vaginitis can be cured with prescriptions or over-the-counter medicines while intestinal parasites that present symptoms and trichomoniasis often requires the use of prescriptions.
Parasitic STD List:
Intestinal Parasites
Intestinal parasites are microscopic, one-cell animals called protozoa. They infect the intestines.
Intestinal parasites are often transmitted by contaminated food and water and during nonsexual, intimate contact. They may also be transmitted sexually.
- Intestinal Parasites Symptoms, Test & Treatment
- Intestinal Parasites In-Depth
- Intestinal Parasites Blog
- Additional Intestinal Parasites Resources
Pubic Lice
Pubic Lice are small, six-legged creatures that infect the pubic hair area and lay eggs.
Infestation is found mostly in teenagers and usually spreads during sexual activity.
- Pubic Lice Symptoms, Test & Treatment
- Pubic Lice (‘Crabs’) In-Depth
- Pubic Lice Blog
- Pictures of Pubic Lice
Scabies
Scabies is an easily spread skin disease caused by a very small species of mite.
Scabies is spread by skin-to-skin contact with another person who has scabies.
Trichomoniasis
Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the parasite Trichomonas vaginalis.
Transmission includes penis-to-vagina, intercourse, or vulva-to-vulva contact. The parasite cannot survive in the mouth or rectum.
- Trichomoniasis Symptoms, Test & Treatment
- Trichomoniasis In-Depth
- Trichomoniasis Blog
- Additional Trichomoniasis Resources
Vaginitis (BV, Yeast, Etc.) – Can also be viral and bacterial
Vaginitis can affect women of all ages and is extremely common.
It can be caused by bacteria, yeasts, viruses, and other parasites.
Some sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can also cause vaginitis, as can various chemicals found in bubble baths, soaps, and perfumes. Environmental factors such as poor hygiene and allergens may also cause this condition.
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