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
- Q What medications help treat chlamydia?
-
Antibiotic treatment, when taken exactly as directed, normally cures chlamydia infections. If antibiotics are not taken properly, the infection will not be cured. Prompt treatment prevents the spread of the infection and reduces the risk of... Full Answer
1 Answer
A
- Q What does syphilis look like?
-
Dr. Jill Grimes, Family MedicinePrimary syphilis is usually a single small, firm, round ulcer on the vagina, labia, penis, or less often, the mouth or other body location. Secondary syphilis looks like red spots on the palms or soles. Tertiary syphilis is called the “great... Full Answer
1 Answer
A
- Q How common is syphilis?
-
Dr. Jill Grimes, Family MedicineIt is the least common sexually transmitted disease in the United States. The year 1990 had the peak number of total cases of syphilis in the United States over the last fifty years, at 135,590 cases. African Americans have the highest rates compared... Full Answer
1 Answer
A
- Q Can I be re-infected with gonorrhea?
-
Dr. Jill Grimes, Family MedicineYes, you can be re-infected with gonorrhea. Prior episodes of gonorrhea infection offer no protection. Re-infection is very common, especially when a partner is not fully treated. Each subsequent infection with gonorrhea significantly increases the risk... Full Answer
2 Answers
A
- Q How common is gonorrhea?
-
Dr. Jill Grimes, Family MedicineAn estimated 700,000 people are infected each year in the United States, although only half of those cases are reported, partly because some people are asymptomatic. Gonorrhea is the second most commonly reported bacterial sexually transmitted disease... Full Answer
1 Answer
A
- Q How common is chlamydia?
-
Dr. Jill Grimes, Family MedicineBecause it is silent up to 70% of the time, chlamydia is largely unreported, and yet it is still one of the most widespread sexually transmitted infections in the United States. The CDC estimates that there are at least 2.8 million new cases of chlamydia... Full Answer
1 Answer
A
- Q Can I get sexually transmitted infections during oral or anal sex?
-
Dr. Angela Lowery, Family MedicineYes. You can get sexually transmitted infections during oral or anal sex. If you have open lesions in your mouth you can be exposed to STIs during oral sex. The anal area is highly vascular meaning there is a good blood supply in the area. Even the... Full Answer
1 Answer
A
- Q How can I protect myself from getting gonorrhea?
-
Dr. Angela Lowery, Family MedicineNot having sex is the only sure way of not getting sexually transmitted infections, but there are some other steps you can take to protect yourself. Practice safe sex by using a condom every time you have sex. Males should use dental dams or heavy... Full Answer
2 Answers
A
- Q How are STDs treated?
-
The treatment depends on the type of STI. For some STIs, treatment may involve taking medicine or getting a shot. For other STIs that can't be cured, like herpes, treatment can help to relieve the symptoms. Only use medicines prescribed or suggested by... Full Answer
1 Answer
A
- Q How long does the trichomoniasis infection stay in your body?
-
Patricia Geraghty, Advanced Practice NursingTrichomoniasis is an infection of the genitals, the vagina in a woman or the penis in a man, by a single cell organism. It can live idefinitely in these areas of the body unless appropriately treated. Fortunately, there are very effective antibiotics... Full Answer
1 Answer
A
