Unprotected sexual intercourse can increase the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Learn about 5 common STIs, their risks, and why safe sex is crucial for protecting your health.

Unsafe sexual intercourse may expose both the male and female to several sexually transmitted diseases (STIs). Bacteria, viruses and parasites can cause these types of infections and may be transmitted during vaginal, anal or oral sex. Some of the infections are associated with apparent symptoms, but others do not manifest themselves even within months or even years, making the prevention of infection and safe sex within our precautionary practices. Here are five other widespread diseases through which partners can transmit diseases through unprotected sex.

Here are the top 5 types of STIs that can spread between partners during unprotected sexual activities:

One of the gravest infections spread during unprotected sex is called Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). The virus compromises the immune system, thus making the body less capable of fighting sickness and illnesses. HIV may eventually develop into Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) without treatment. The initial signs can be fever, fatigue and swollen lymph nodes but most individuals may not be aware of the initial signs.

Chlamydia is a bacterial infection and one of the most dominant STIs in the world. It has no symptoms in many cases, that is why, it is called a silent infection sometimes. The associated symptoms might include painful urination, abnormal discharge, or pelvic pain when present. Chlamydia may cause grave complications that are irreversible like infertility, pelvic inflammatory disease, or PID (PID) in women as well as inflammation of testicles in men, in case left untreated. Luckily, when chlamydia is diagnosed, the condition can be cured easily using antibiotics.

Since people have another name, gonorrhea also is a bacterial STI that activates after unprotected sex. It may strike the genitals, rectum and throat. This can be accompanied by a burning feeling during urination, abnormal discharge, lower abdominal pain. Similar to chlamydia, not all people become symptomatic; however, they are capable of infecting other people. Gonorrhea without treatment will result in infertility and making one HIV prone.

HPV is a highly prevalent viral disease transmitted during sexual intercourse between the parties. The HPV has many different strains-- some of which cause warts on the genitals, and others can predispose cancer in cervics, in the anus, or in the throat. The majority of HPV infections may resolve but some may persist resulting in complications. HPV vaccination is one of highly effective methods of protection against strains of the virus that are considered highly dangerous. Screening is encouraged, particularly in women in order to detect early signs of problems related to HPV.

Syphilis infection is a bacterial disease that has various stages unless cured. The initial phase is typically painful lesions of the genitals, anus or in the mouth. Without treatment, it progresses to late stages, resulting in rashes, fever, swollen lymph nodes and ultimately involves other vital organs like the brain, heart and nervous system. The cure of syphilis is possible with antibiotics (primarily penicillin), however, it is highly important to prevent long-lasting damage so that the damage should be detected as soon as possible.

Vaccine (as in the case of HPV) and early treatment are also a key factor in preventing complications. Safe sex not only safeguards you, it safeguards your partner too.