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 children to get syphilis if their mothers are infected while they're pregnant. If a baby is born with this form of syphilis (congenital syphilis), symptoms may not be noticeable right away. However, if treatment is not given... Full Answer
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- Q Can children get chlamydia?
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It's possible for children to get chlamydia if their mothers are infected while they're pregnant. Mothers usually pass the infection on to their babies during birth as the baby passes through the birth canal. Babies usually develop the infection... Full Answer
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- Q Can I get a sexually transmitted infection (STI) through oral sex?
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Dr. Angela Lowery, Family MedicineYes. You can get a sexually transmitted infection through oral sex. Oral sex involves the exchange of body fluids. Men performing oral sex on women should use a dental dam or heavy plastic for protection. If your significant other is a male you... Full Answer
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- Q What are the types of tertiary syphilis?
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Tertiary syphilis is the third and last stage of the infection. About 15% of people who have untreated syphilis will develop some type of tertiary, or late, syphilis. In some cases, people may develop benign tertiary syphilis in which soft growths called... Full Answer
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- Q Can chlamydia be spread through oral sex?
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Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted disease, which means it can be spread through any type of sex, including oral sex. It's less common for a chlamydial infection to develop in the throat, but it may be possible through oral sex. The infection is caused... Full Answer
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- Q How is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) spread?
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STIs are spread primarily through blood, semen, vaginal secretions, and the discharge from sores or lesions caused by STIs. The most likely way to get an STI is to have vaginal, oral, or anal sex without any protective barrier between the body parts... Full Answer
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- Q What happens if gonorrhea is not treated?
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Dr. Angela Lowery, Family MedicineIf gonorrhea is left untreated it can cause infertility in men and women. In women gonorrhea can spread to the female reproductive organs causing pelvic inflammatory disease which can result in scarring. Women can also spread this disease to their unborn... Full Answer
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- Q How can I get gonorrhea?
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You can get gonorrhea during vaginal, oral, or anal sex with an infected partner. A man does not need to ejaculate to pass the infection or to become infected. Touching infected sex organs, like the vagina or penis, and then touching your eyes can cause... Full Answer
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- Q Why do I need a gonorrhea test?
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Tests for gonorrhea are done to: See if a gonorrhea infection may be causing symptoms such as painful urination, anal itching or bleeding, vaginal bleeding after intercourse or abnormal discharge from the penis or vagina. Screen women who are at high... Full Answer
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- Q What should I think about if I have a gonorrhea test?
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If a gonorrhea infection is suspected, avoid sexual intercourse until the test results have come back. If results point to a gonorrhea infection, continue to avoid sexual intercourse for 7 days after the start of treatment. Your sex partner must also be... Full Answer
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