What is the most common STI?

You shouldn't even think about it, that itch down there, or red bumps, or a weird burning sensation... But yes, you can easily get an STI if you have unprotected sex. We really don't need to explain that to you. What we would like to tell you is: what is the most common STI? What unwanted souvenir are you most likely to get?

Actually, there are two leaders of this unpleasant list: in many countries and regions, chlamydia and gonorrhea are two of the most common sexually transmitted infections. Of course, this varies a bit by region and country, but basically, you can count on it. It applies to both women and men.

That said: what are you suffering from? Chlamydia is caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis and can lead to symptoms such as pain during urination, discharge from the penis or vagina, and pain in the lower abdomen. However, it can also be asymptomatic, meaning that people have it without knowing. In other words: you don't feel anything. Therefore, getting a smear test from time to time is not a bad idea; definitely do it if you have multiple sexual partners.

Gonorrhea, caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae, can cause symptoms such as pain during urination, unusual discharge from the penis or vagina, and pain in the lower abdomen. Just like with chlamydia, you can also have this without noticing. Especially if you're single and have just finished a dating phase with someone, it's smart to get tested before you dive back into bed. A small effort, but sometimes with great results.

Have you been living with it for years without realizing it? In women, untreated chlamydia or gonorrhea can spread to the reproductive organs and lead to PID. This is a serious infection of the uterus, fallopian tubes, and/or ovaries, which can result in chronic pelvic pain, infertility, and ectopic pregnancies. In men, untreated chlamydia or gonorrhea can spread to the testicles and cause epididymitis. This can lead to painful swelling of the testicle, pain during urination, and in some cases, infertility.