STDs
Diseases that you can transmit by sexual contact are STDs. Contact may involve the mouth, penis, vagina or anus. Not everyone who has an STD has symptoms, so if you think it's possible that you may have contracted one, you should see a doctor for testing. Most STDs can be treated with antibiotics. Some are parasitic or viral, and require other treatment.
The only way to be sure to avoid STDs is to avoid sex. Mutually monogamous relationships between uninfected partners is also safe. If neither of these practices is satisfactory, then limiting the number of partners, use of a condom where appropriate, and being choosy about partners may help limit your exposure.
If you have an STD, the responsible thing to do is refrain from sex until your condition has been cleared up and your doctor or health care provider pronounces you safe. It's also responsible to let your partner(s) know they may have been exposed.
Recently Answered
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It's possible for people to have syphilis without even realizing it. The first symptom of syphilis is a painless sore that develops where the person was infected (usually the genitals, rectum, or mouth). Since it doesn't cause any other symptoms, people... Full Answer
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- Q How do sexually transmitted infections (STI) affect pregnant women?
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STIs can cause many of the same health problems in pregnant women as women who are not pregnant. But having an STI also can threaten the pregnancy and unborn baby's health. Having an STI during pregnancy can cause early labor, a woman's water to break... Full Answer
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- Q How is trichomoniasis related to vaginal infections?
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Trichomoniasis causes some of the same symptoms of a bacterial or fungal vaginal infection, but it is actually a sexually-transmitted infection caused by a parasite. Symptoms can include a greenish-yellow discharge and itching. Like other vaginal... Full Answer
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- Q What causes syphilis?
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Syphilis is caused by the bacteria called Treponema pallidum. This infection is most commonly spread through sexual contact. Bacteria leave the open sore of the infected person and enter through the mucous membranes or skin of the other person.... Full Answer
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- Q Should I talk to my doctor about my syphilis symptoms?
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If you have symptoms that you think may be caused by syphilis, it's a good idea to talk to your doctor. Suspicious symptoms often begin with a painless sore called a chancre that's usually on the genitals, anal area, or mouth. Sores and other symptoms... Full Answer
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- Q Are there alternative treatments for syphilis?
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There really aren't any alternative treatments for syphilis. Because syphilis is caused by bacteria, antibiotics - usually penicillin - are the only cure for the infection. Full Answer
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- Q What are the possible complications of chlamydia?
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If chlamydia is left untreated, it can lead to short- and long-term complications in both men and women. Chlamydia may lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which is a condition that can damage a woman's uterus and fallopian tubes. Chlamydia may... Full Answer
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- Q What is trichomoniasis?
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Dr. Angela Lowery, Family MedicineTrichomoniasis is a common sexually transmitted disease, that can easily be treated. It affects both men and women, but symptoms are more common in women. Full Answer
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- Q What is syphilis?
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Syphilis is a sexually-transmitted disease that's caused by bacteria. This infection starts with a painless sore on the genitals or mouth, and progresses from there. If it's diagnosed and treated early, syphilis has no long-term effects. If it's left... Full Answer
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- Q What is pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)?
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Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is an infection in the female reproductive tract. PID may affect the fallopian tubes or the lining of the uterus, and in severe cases, it can spread to the ovaries. Pelvic inflammatory disease usually develops when the... Full Answer
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