- What does STD mean? Answer.
- What are sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)? Answer.
- What is the difference between "STD" and "STI"? Answer.
- What is the difference between bacterial and viral STD's? Answer.
- How common are STDs? Answer.
- What are the typical symptoms of STDs? Answer.
- How can I tell if my partner has an STD? Answer.
- How are STDs transmitted? Answer.
- Can herpes be passed when there are no symptoms? Answer.
- Can I get STDs from a towel or a toilet seat? Answer.
- What should I do if I think I have an STD? Answer.
- How should I know if I need treatment? Answer.
- Can I get an STD more than once? Answer.
What does "STD" mean?
STD is short for "sexually transmitted disease". Another term you may have heard is "venereal disease" or VD
What are sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)?
The term "sexually transmitted diseases" represents a group of more than 25 different diseases that can be passed from one person to another through sexual contact.
What is the difference between "STD" and "STI"?
STD is short for sexually transmitted disease. STI is short for sexually transmitted infection. They are synonymous. STI is the latest accepted terminology.
What is the difference between bacterial and viral STDs?
The main difference between these two categories of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) is what causes them -- bacterial STDs are caused by bacteria and viral STDs are caused by viruses. As a result of being caused by different microorganisms, bacterial and viral STDs vary in their treatment. Bacterial STDs, such as gonorrhea, syphilis, and chlamydia, are often cured with antibiotics. However, viral STDs, (the four "H's) such as HIV, HPV (genital warts), herpes, and hepatitis (the only STD that can be prevented with a vaccine), have no cure, but their symptoms can be alleviated with treatment.
In addition to bacteria and viruses, STDs can also be caused by protozoa (trichomoniasis) and other organisms (crabs/pubic lice and scabies). These STDs can be cured with antibiotics or topical creams/lotions.
How common are STDs?
STDs are very common in the U.S. With more than 12 million people in the U.S. infected each year, at least 1 out of 4 people will be infected with a STD at some point in his or her life. In the U.S., there are approximately 4 million new chlamydia infections each year, over 40 million people have herpes and 30 million have genital warts. Youth are particularly at risk for STDs. 2/3rds of reportable cases of STDs occur in people under 25 years of age.
What are the typical symptoms of STDs?
One of the most common symptoms of an STD is no symptoms. So it's important to go for check-ups. It is believed that around 80% of women and 40% of men diagnosed with chlamydia may not experience any symptoms. STDs need to be diagnosed correctly and be fully treated as soon as possible to avoid complications that could be serious and/or cause permanent damage to the body.
When they do occur, typical STD symptoms for women may include unusual vaginal discharge (flow), sores, bumps, burning when urinating, and redness or itching around the vaginal area. Typical symptoms for men may include discharge from the penis, burning when urinating, and sores, bumps, or redness on or around the penis. If you have any of these symptoms or your sexual partner has been diagnosed with STDs, you should seek treatment.
How can I tell if my partner has an STD?
In most cases, you cannot tell just by looking if someone has an STD. STDs often have no visible signs.
How are STDs transmitted?
STDs can be transmitted through oral, anal or vaginal sex. They can be transmitted from partner to partner with or without visible signs or symptoms. Many people can pass a STD to a sex partner without even knowing it. Some STDs can be transmitted without having intercourse; they can be passed through skin-to-skin contact in the genital area.
Can herpes be passed when there are no symptoms?
Yes, it is possible to infect someone with herpes, even when you don't have any signs or symptoms. It was once thought to be transmitted only when sores were present, but recent research has shown that herpes simplex virus (HSV) can be passed even when no visible signs are present. Herpes is not curable and is the most common STD in the U.S.
Can I get STDs from a towel or a toilet seat?
Most STDs, such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, herpes, and genital warts are spread only through direct sexual contact with an infected person. However, crabs (pubic lice) or scabies, which are often sexually transmitted, can be passed through contact with infested items like clothes, sheets, or towels.
What should I do if I think I have an STD?
If you think you have an STD or have put yourself at risk, see a health care provider immediately. Getting tested and seeking treatment early will help to minimize long-term effects of most STDs and prevent infecting others. You should always avoid sexual contact until you have been treated and cured.
How should I know if I need treatment?
The best way to answer this is by getting tested and talking to your health care provider. If you are having any of the following symptoms: a discharge from the penis or vagina, burning, itching, a sore or sores (either painless or painful) or your sexual partner has been diagnosed with an STD, you should seek testing and treatment.
Can I get an STD more than once?
You are not "immune" to a STD even if you have had it before. STDs caused by bacteria (chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis) can be treated and cured, but you can get them again if exposed. Viral STDs cannot be cured and may remain in your body forever. Hepatitis A and B are the only STD's that can be prevented with a vaccine at the present time.