Sexually Transmitted Diseases


Also called: Sexually transmitted infections, STDs, Venereal disease
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are infections that you can get from having sex with someone who has the infection. The causes of STDs are bacteria, parasites and viruses. There are more than 20 types of STDs, including
Chlamydia
Gonorrhea
Herpes Simplex
HIV/AIDS
HPV
Syphilis
Trichomoniasis
Most STDs affect both men and women, but in many cases the health problems they cause can be more severe for women. If a pregnant woman has an STD, it can cause serious health problems for the baby.
If you have an STD caused by bacteria or parasites, your health care provider can treat it with antibiotics or other medicines. If you have an STD caused by a virus, there is no cure. Sometimes medicines can keep the disease under control. Correct usage of latex condoms greatly reduces, but does not completely eliminate, the risk of catching or spreading STDs.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Start Here
Sexually Transmitted Diseases(Patient Education Institute)
Also available in Spanish
STDs Today(Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
STIs: Common Symptoms & Tips on Prevention(American Academy of Family Physicians)
Also available in Spanish