Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs): Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are among the most common infectious diseases in the United States. STDs
can be spread through any type of sexual activity involving the sex organs, the
anus or mouth, or through contact with blood during sexual activity. Examples of
STDs include,
chancroid,
chlamydia,
gonorrhea, granuloma inguinale,
lymphogranuloma venereum,
syphilis,
genital herpes,
genital warts,
hepatitis B,
trichomoniasis,
pubic lice (crabs), and
scabies.Treatment is generally with antibiotics; however, some STDs that go untreated can lead to death.
Must Read Articles:
-
Cervicitis
Cervicitis is inflammation of a woman's cervix, and may be caused by STD's or injuries to the cervix. Cervicitis symptoms include vaginal discharge, bleeding, itching, and itching; lower back pain; and pain during intercourse. Treatment of cervicitis is generally with prescribed antibiotics. -
Chlamydia
Chlamydia is a bacterial sexual transmitted disease (STD) spread when people have sexual relations. Often, there are no symptoms. Chlamydia is caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis and is transmitted either from person to person through sexual contact (oral, anal, or vaginal); or from mother to child during birth. Symptoms of chlamydia may vary in men and women. Treatment is generally through antibiotics. -
Condoms and Sexually Transmitted Diseases
In addition to helping prevent pregnancy, male condoms -- either latex or vinyl -- can help protect against a number of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). They include HIV-AIDS, gonorrhea, chlamydia, trichomoniasis, and some genital ulcer diseases. -
Crabs
Crabs (pubic lice) is a parasitic infection. Causes of crabs include sexual contact with an infected person, contaminated towels, bedding, or clothing. The main symptom of crabs (pubic lice) are burning and itching of the pubic area. Treatment for crabs is medication that kills the parasite. -
Female Sexual Problems
Long considered a taboo subject, women's sexuality is now openly discussed and portrayed on television, in magazines, and on the internet. Symptoms of female sexual problems may include pain during intercourse, difficulties becoming aroused or achieving orgasm, or lack of sexual desire. Treatment depends on the underlying cause of female sexual problems. -
Genital Herpes
Genital herpes a highly infectious disease caused by a virus. Genital herpes is very common and is transmitted from person to person during sexual activity. Signs and symptoms of genital herpes include blisters or ulcers in the genital area. Some individuals have no symptoms. There is no cure for genital herpes, only medication to decrease the frequency of outbreaks. -
Genital Warts
Genital warts (HPV) are growths in the genital area of both men and women. Genital warts are contagious and are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). Symptoms of genital warts may be none, to painless bumps, itching, and/or a discharge. There is no single effective cure for genital warts. Treatments and medication may decrease the size of the warts or temporarily remove them. -
Gonorrhea
Gonorrhea is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Gonorrhea is caused by the bacteria Neisseria gonorrhoeae, which may be transmitted through contact with genital fluids. Symptoms of gonorrhea may be different in men, and women. Treatment includes prescription antibiotics like ceftriaxone, Cipro, azithromycin and others, which cure the infection. -
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B (HBV, Hep B) is a liver disease that spreads via blood, semen, saliva, broken skin around the mouth, genitals, or rectum. Read about symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. -
HIV/AIDS
HIV has killed about 25 million individuals, and approximately 40 million people are currently living with the disease. Symptoms and signs of HIV include fever, headache, tiredness, and enlarged lymph nodes. Infections that happen with AIDS are called opportunistic infections. There is no cure for HIV/AIDS. Treatment usually involves a combination of at least three drugs to suppress the virus from replicating and boost the immune system. -
How Can You Test for STDs at Home
People can check for STDs at home with home testing kits that are sent to labs. Kits require people to send in a sample to test, such as a urine sample, finger prick blood sample, or vaginal, anal, or oral swab. If you receive a positive result, seek medical treatment immediately and notify any sexual partners so they can get tested. -
How Do You Get Tested for STDs
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are diagnosed with a patient history, which may include sexual history, and a physical examination. Doctors check for STDs with tests such as blood tests, urine tests, and swabs to collect samples from the vagina (including a Pap test), urethra, throat, or rectum. -
How to Use a Condom
Among the many barrier methods of birth control, the condom for men is used most often. Condoms are inexpensive and available in many convenient locations, without a doctor's prescription. -
Molluscum Contagiosum
Molluscum contagiosum (MC) is a skin rash caused by a virus first described in 1817. It is a member of the poxvirus family. Symptoms and signs include white, pink, or flesh-colored dome-shaped lesions with a waxy surface. Molluscum contagiosum typically resolves on its own. -
Pain During Intercourse
Painful intercourse or sex (dyspareunia) is pain or discomfort in a woman's labial, vaginal, or pelvic areas during or after sexual intercourse. Pain during sex can be caused by endometriosis, vaginal changes that occur during menopause, infections, and uterine fibroids or growths. The pain may be upon entry to the vagina; deep or cramping pain, and muscle spasms or tightness. Treatment for pain during intercourse is directed at the cause. -
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), an infection of a woman's reproductive organs (cervicitis, salpingitis, endometritis, and peritonitis) is an STD caused by either the Chlamydia trachomatis or Neisseria gonorrhoeae bacteria. Symptoms of PID include abdominal pain, abnormal vaginal bleeding, heavy vaginal discharge, painful urination, or painful intercourse. Treatment is generally with antibiotics or surgery. -
Proctitis
Proctitis is an inflammation of the anus rectal lining. Symptoms include pain, bleeding, spasms during bowel movements, a feeling of being unable to empty the bowels completely. Treatment includes safe sex practices and antibiotics. -
Scabies
Scabies is a skin condition that causes severe itching. Scabies lesions on the skin may look like pimples, and the skin may also be red. Treatment involves washing all clothing and bed linens, vacuuming rugs and furniture, and applying a prescription cream to kill the mites. -
STDs in Men (Sexually Transmitted Diseases in Men)
Learn about the prevention and treatment of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in men including genital herpes, syphilis, HPV, scabies, crabs, chlamydia, gonorrhea, HIV, hepatitis, and chancroid. -
Syphilis
Syphilis is a contagious bacterial infection transmitted most often through sexual intercourse. Flulike symptoms, body rash, and swollen lymph nodes. Late-phase syphilis attacks the heart, brain, skin, and bones. Late-stage syphilis is rare since the discovery of the antibiotic penicillin, which is used to treat this sexually transmitted disease (STD). -
Trichomoniasis
Trichomoniasis is a contagious STD. Trichomoniasis can infect men and women. Symptoms of trichomoniasis in women include: vaginal discharge, vaginal itching, and a smelly, itchy, and frothy foam discharge. Symptoms of trichomoniasis in men include urethral discharge, pain with urination, and pain and swelling of the scrotum. Treatment for trichomoniasis is with antibiotics. -
Urethritis in Men
Urethritis, inflammation of the urethra, may cause symptoms and signs that include discharge, burning, pain, urinary urgency, itching, and blood in the urine. Treatment involves antibiotics, sitz baths, drinking plenty of fluids, and taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications. -
Vaginal Discharge
Vaginal discharge is a fluid or semisolid substance that is normal and helps keep the vagina clean. Normal vaginal discharge is clear or milky white and does not have an unpleasant odor. Bacterial vaginosis, yeast infections, or sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) including trichomonas, gonorrhea, or Chlamydia can cause a change in color or odor. Symptoms of infection may include yellow-green or gray discharge, strong odor, or irritation of the genitals. Treatment depends on the infection. -
Vaginal Infections
Vaginal infections, or vaginitis, describe the most common medical concerns women have in the area of their reproductive organs. Vaginitis is an inflammation of the vagina that creates discharge, odor, and other symptoms. -
Vaginal Yeast Infections
Vaginal yeast infections (vaginal candidiasis, genital candidiasis, or vulvovaginal candidiasis) is a fungal or yeast infection. Symptoms include vaginal discharge, vaginal itching, painful or burning urination, and painful intercourse. There are a variety of causes of a vaginal yeast infection. Treatment is generally OTC vaginal yeast infection medication.
Featured:
Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) FAQs You may have heard of the big ones. Get answers to your frequently asked questions (FAQs) on sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). You may be surprised.
Expert Views and News
- 'Crowd Diagnosis' of STDs on Reddit
- Almost 400M New Cases Annually of 4 Curable STDs
- Antibiotic-Resistant Gonorrhea Found in 2 U.K. Women
- New Oral Antibiotic Cures Most Gonorrhea
- Threat of Untreatable Gonorrhea Real, Growing
- Half of US Men Have Penile HPV
- 42% of US Adults Infected with Genital HPV
- HPV Vaccine Helping Lower HPV Infection in Teens
- STDs and Travel
- New Policy Supports Choice for Male Circumcision
- Sex Ed Becoming Less Prevalent in Grades 6-12
- Sex and the Elderly: STD Risk Often Ignored
- Chlamydia Tops STDs Reported to CDC
- STD Trichomonas May Be More Common Than Thought
- Untreatable Gonorrhea a Possibility
- Male Circumcision Cuts Women's Cervical Cancer Risk
- Youths With STDs May Not Admit They Had Sex
Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) Topic Guide - Visuals
Slideshows, Pictures, Images, and Quizzes:
-
Slideshow
-
Slideshow
-
Quiz
-
Slideshow
-
Slideshow
-
Slideshow
-
Slideshow
-
Slideshow
-
-
-
Quiz
-
Slideshow
-
Slideshow
-
Slideshow
-
Slideshow
Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) Topic Guide - Medications and Vitamins
Medications:
Hepatitis A Adult VaccineHepatitis is a serious disease caused by a virus. Hepatitis causes inflammation of the liver, vomiting, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes). Hepat...learn more »
Hepatitis A Pediatric VaccineHepatitis is a serious disease caused by a virus. Hepatitis causes inflammation of the liver, vomiting, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes). Hepat...learn more »
Hepatitis A And Hepatitis B VaccineHepatitis A and B are serious diseases caused by virus...learn more »
ValacyclovirValacyclovir is an antiviral medicine that is used to treat or prevent herpes virus episodes, including genital herpes or shingles (herpes zoster) in adults....learn more »
Hepatitis B Immune GlobulinHepatitis B immune globulin is made from human plasma containing proteins that protect against the type B form of hepatitis (inflammation of the liver)...learn more »
Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) Topic Guide – Related Topics
Related Topics:
Immunization Schedule, Children
Vaccinations are some of the most important tools available for preventing disease. Most children get all their shots during childhood. Parents should consult t...learn more »
Rapid Oral HIV Test
Getting tested for HIV is now easier. On March 26, 2004, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a new HIV test, one that can be done with...learn more »
Vaginal Bleeding
Learn about what causes abnormal vaginal bleeding (spotting in between periods), including hormonal disorders, benign or malignant tumors, blood clotting disord...learn more »
Jock Itch
Jock itch is an itchy groin rash that may be caused by a bacterial or fungal infection. Symptoms include an itchy red area in a skin fold. The rash may be raise...learn more »
Sexual Assault
Rape is sex that you don't agree to, while sexual assault or abuse is any type of sexual activity that a person does not agree to. In the U.S., one in six women...learn more »
Infertility
Infertility affects about 6.1 million people in the United States—about 10% of men and women of reproductive age. A learn more »
Immunization Schedule, Adults
At least 45,000 adults in the United States die of complications of learn more »