These are a group of conditions that a person contracts from another through sexual contact or intimate physical contact. STDs are passed on through different microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, protozoa or yeast that cause infection in the genital area. STDs can affect both men and women. Some of the most common STDs are — Human Papillomavirus (HPV), Syphilis, Gonorrhoea, Chlamydia, Genital Herpes and HIV/AIDS. Often, the disease may not show any symptoms but if untreated can cause severe infection. Common signs and symptoms of STDs include itching or redness in the genital area, abnormal vaginal discharge, genital warts, unusual discharge from the penis and burning sensation while urinating.