Sex is supposed to be fun — exciting, wild, and full of heat. But the part nobody likes to talk about is the risk that comes with it, especially when you’re hooking up with partners who may also be seeing several others. STDs aren’t a “type of person” issue — they’re a behaviour issue. Unprotected sex, multiple partners, and no regular testing can quickly put anyone at risk, no matter how they look or where you meet them.

If you’re sexually active, especially in the modern hookup culture, understanding the real risks is not optional — it’s essential. Below is a complete, straightforward guide to the most common sexually transmitted diseases you can catch through high-risk sexual behaviour. We’ll break down what each infection is, how long it lasts, what symptoms to watch for, and whether it can be cured.

This is the no-nonsense version everyone should read.

1. Chlamydia

What It Is

Chlamydia is one of the most common bacterial STDs worldwide, caused by Chlamydia trachomatis. It spreads through vaginal, oral, or anal sex — and often without symptoms.

How Long Does It Last

Chlamydia does not clear on its own.
If untreated, it can last for months or even years. Over time, it can cause infertility, pelvic inflammatory disease, and chronic pain.

Symptoms

Most people don’t notice anything. But when symptoms do appear, they may include:

• Burning or pain during urination

• White, yellow, or cloudy discharge

• Lower abdominal pain

• Testicular pain or swelling

Can It Be Cured?

Yes.
Chlamydia is easily treated with antibiotics, usually azithromycin or doxycycline.

2. Gonorrhea

What It Is

Gonorrhea — often called “the clap” — is caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae. It infects the genitals, throat, and rectum.

How Long Does It Last

Gonorrhea will not go away without treatment.
If ignored, it can spread to the bloodstream and cause severe complications.

Symptoms

Sometimes none, but typical symptoms include:

• Yellow or green discharge

• Pain while peeing

• Pelvic or testicular pain

• Sore throat (oral infection)

Can It Be Cured?

Yes, with antibiotics — but drug-resistant gonorrhea is becoming more common, so treatment must be taken seriously.

3. Syphilis

What It Is

Syphilis is a dangerous bacterial infection with four stages: primary, secondary, latent, and tertiary. It spreads through direct contact with a syphilis sore.

How Long Does It Last

Syphilis can last a lifetime if untreated and can eventually damage the brain, heart, and nervous system.

Symptoms

Depends on the stage:

Primary:

• A painless sore (chancre) on the genitals, mouth, or anus

Secondary:

• Rough rash (often on hands and feet)

• Fever, fatigue, swollen glands

• Patchy hair loss

Latent:

No symptoms

Tertiary:

• Organ damage

• Blindness

• Neurological problems

Can It Be Cured?

Yes — but only if caught early.
A simple penicillin injection is the standard treatment.
Late-stage damage cannot be reversed.

4. Herpes (HSV-1 and HSV-2)

What It Is

A viral infection caused by the herpes simplex virus.
HSV-1 usually affects the mouth; HSV-2 usually affects the genitals, but both can appear anywhere through oral sex.

How Long Does It Last

Herpes is lifelong. Once infected, the virus stays in the body forever.

Symptoms

Outbreaks vary, but may include:

• Painful blisters or sores

• Itching or burning

• Flu-like symptoms during the first outbreak

• Long symptom-free periods

Can It Be Cured?

No, but it can be managed.
Antiviral medications (valacyclovir, acyclovir) reduce outbreaks and lower transmission risk.

5. Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

What It Is

HPV is the most common STI on the planet — a group of more than 100 viruses. Some cause genital warts; others raise the risk of cancers.

How Long Does It Last

In most people, HPV clears naturally within 1–2 years.
But high-risk strains can linger for years and may eventually cause:

• Cervical cancer

• Throat cancer

• Anal cancer

• Penile cancer

Symptoms

Most HPV infections have no symptoms.
Visible symptoms include:

• Genital warts

• Small bumps or clusters on the skin

Can It Be Cured?

There is no cure for the virus itself.
However:

• Warts can be removed

• Most infections clear naturally

• The HPV vaccine protects against the most dangerous strains

6. HIV

What It Is

HIV attacks the immune system by targeting CD4 cells (a type of white blood cell). Over time, untreated HIV can progress to AIDS.

How Long Does It Last

HIV is lifelong.
But thanks to modern medical treatment, people with HIV can live normal, healthy lives — and live as long as anyone else.

Symptoms

Early (within weeks):

• Fever

• Fatigue

• Rash

• Swollen glands

Chronic phase:

• Few or no symptoms

Advanced (if untreated):

• Weight loss

• Night sweats

• Frequent infections

Can It Be Cured?

No.
But antiretroviral therapy (ART) allows people with HIV to reach an undetectable viral load, meaning:

• They stay healthy

• They cannot transmit HIV sexually

7. Trichomoniasis

What It Is

A parasitic infection caused by Trichomonas vaginalis. It is extremely common and often overlooked.

How Long Does It Last

Trichomoniasis can last months or years if untreated.

Symptoms

Many people never notice symptoms, but possible signs include:

• Itching or irritation

• Strong or unusual discharge

• Pain during sex

• Burning when peeing

Can It Be Cured?

Yes.
It’s easily treated with a single dose of metronidazole or tinidazole.

8. Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C

What They Are

Liver infections can spread through sexual contact and blood exposure.

How Long Do They Last

Hepatitis B

• Can be short-term or lifelong

• The virus may clear naturally, but it often becomes chronic

Hepatitis C

• Most infections become chronic without treatment

Symptoms

• Jaundice (yellow skin/eyes)

• Nausea

• Fatigue

• Dark urine

• Abdominal pain

Can They Be Cured?

Hepatitis B

• No cure once chronic

• Vaccine available

• Medication can manage it long-term

Hepatitis C

• Yes — modern antiviral drugs can cure it in 8–12 weeks

Which STDs Are Curable — and Which Aren’t?

Curable with Medication

• Chlamydia

• Gonorrhea

• Syphilis

• Trichomoniasis

• Hepatitis C

Not Curable (but manageable)

• Herpes

• HIV

• HPV

• Hepatitis B

9. Pubic Lice (“Crabs”)

What They Are

Pubic lice are tiny parasitic insects that live in coarse body hair — especially pubic hair, but they can also appear in:

• Chest hair

• Underarms

• Beard area

• Occasionally, eyebrows or eyelashes

They spread mostly through close sexual contact, but can also be passed through shared bedding, towels, or clothing.

How Long Do They Last

Pubic lice will not go away on their own.
They reproduce quickly, laying eggs (nits) that attach to the hair shafts.
They can survive for several weeks if untreated.

Symptoms

• Intense itching, especially at night

• Tiny white or yellowish nits are attached to hairs

• Small blue or red bite marks

• Visible lice in the hair (they’re small but not microscopic)

Can They Be Cured?

Yes — very easily.
Treatment involves over-the-counter or prescription lice-killing lotions such as:

• Permethrin cream

• Pyrethrin-based shampoos

Clothing, bedding, and towels must be washed in hot water and dried on high heat to prevent reinfestation.

10. Body Lice

What They Are

Body lice live in the seams of clothing, not directly on the skin.
They crawl onto the skin to feed. They spread through:

• Close physical contact

• Sharing clothing

• Shared bedding or fabrics

They are more common in environments where hygiene is limited or clothing isn’t washed frequently.

How Long Do They Last

Body lice can live for 30 days or more if untreated.
They lay eggs in clothing, so infestations can persist until items are properly cleaned.

Symptoms

• Intense itching

• Red bite marks

• Rash or irritation

• Thickened skin in long-term infestations

Unlike pubic lice, body lice are usually not limited to the genital area — they can affect the torso, waist, and anywhere clothing touches skin.

Can They Be Cured?

Yes — and treatment is simple:

• Wash all clothing, towels, and bedding in hot water

• Dry everything on high heat

• Apply lice-killing lotions if needed

• Improve hygiene and wear freshly washed clothing

Unlike pubic lice, body lice often don’t require medication once the infested clothing is cleaned properly.

How to Protect Yourself — Without Killing the Mood

Being sexually active doesn’t mean you have to live in fear. You just need to be smart.

Use condoms

They dramatically reduce the risk of nearly all STDs.

Get tested regularly

Every 3–6 months if you have multiple partners.

Know who you’re sleeping with

High-risk behaviour includes:

• Anonymous hookups

• Partners with unknown sexual history

• Partners who have multiple partners

• Going to the sex bars of Southeast Asian Countries, especially Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, and the Philippines. Although they say their girls are regularly tested, it doesn't stop you from catching something from the guy she slept with just before you.

Limit unprotected sex

Especially with casual or new partners.

Get vaccinated

HPV and hepatitis B vaccines are highly effective.