STD/HIV Services

What are STDs?

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Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), also known as sexually transmitted infections or STIs, are very common. Millions of new infections occur every year in the United States. STDs are passed from one person to another through sexual activity including vaginal, oral, and anal sex. They can also be passed from one person to another through intimate physical contact, such as heavy petting, though this is not very common. STDs don’t always cause symptoms or may only cause mild symptoms, so it is possible to have an infection and not know it. That is why it is important to get tested if you are having sex. If you are diagnosed with an STD, know that all can be treated with medicine and some can be cured entirely. STDs are preventable. If you have sex, know how to protect yourself and your sexual partner from STDs.

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The more common diseases, conditions, and infections below are listed alphabetically.

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• Bacterial Vaginosis - Any woman can get bacterial vaginosis. Having bacterial vaginosis can increase your chance of getting an STD.

• Chlamydia - Chlamydia is a common sexually transmitted disease (STD) that can be easily cured. If left untreated, chlamydia can make it difficult for a woman to get pregnant.

• Gonorrhea - Anyone who is sexually active can get gonorrhea. Gonorrhea can cause severe complications when not treated but can be cured with the proper medication.

• Hepatitis - Viral hepatitis is the leading cause of liver cancer and the most common reason for liver transplantation.

• Herpes - Genital herpes is a common STD, and most people with genital herpes infection do not know they have it.

• HIV/AIDS & STDs - People who have STDs are more likely to get HIV when compared to people who do not have STDs.

• Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Infection - Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States. Some health effects caused by HPV can be prevented with vaccines.

• Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) - Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) can lead to severe consequences including infertility.

• STDs & Infertility - Chlamydia and gonorrhea are preventable causes of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and infertility.

• STDs during Pregnancy - For a healthier baby, ask your doctor about STD testing.

• Syphilis - Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) that can have severe complications when left untreated, but it is simple to cure with the proper treatment.

• Trichomoniasis - Most people who have trichomoniasis do not have any symptoms.

Content source: Division of STD Prevention, National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention