Are sexually transmitted diseases a divine punishment? Explain.

Sexually transmitted diseases resulting from adultery, sodomy, or perversion are a divine punishment, as stated in the Hadith by Ibn Majah: "Immorality never appears in a people to the extent that they commit it openly, but epidemics and pains unknown to their ancestors will spread among them." However, if these diseases do not arise from such acts, they are a trial from Allah that may elevate one's ranks or expiate sins, as stated in the Hadith by Aisha: "Nothing afflicts a believer, not even a thorn that pricks him, but Allah records a good deed for him or remits a sin because of it."