where did stds come from

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), also known as sexually transmitted infections (STIs), have origins dating back to ancient civilizations. They have been documented in ancient Egyptian, Greek, and Roman societies, with descriptions resembling gonorrhea and syphilis appearing as early as 400 B.C. through writings by Hippocrates and others. These infections were recognized even in ancient Chinese and Indian medical texts. Some STDs are believed to have originated from animals through cross-species transmissions, for example, gonorrhea and syphilis likely came from cattle or sheep, and HIV originated from simian immunodeficiency viruses in chimpanzees. The transmission typically occurs via sexual contact or exchange of bodily fluids, and historical treatments ranged from rudimentary and often toxic substances to more modern antibiotics and antivirals developed in the 20th century. STDs have evolved alongside human history and culture, often linked to societal norms and behaviors, recorded with names and understandings that changed across eras and regions. Their presence is noted in religious texts, mythology, and medical literature from antiquity through the Middle Ages and into modern times, marking them as persistent human health challenges throughout history.