On this page
Basics
Learn More
See, Play and Learn
Resources
For You
Summary
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are infections that are passed from one person to another through sexual contact. The causes of STDs are bacteria, parasites, yeast, and viruses. There are more than 20 types of STDs, including
Most STDs affect both men and women, but in many cases the health problems they cause can be more severe for women. If a pregnant woman has an STD, it can cause serious health problems for the baby.
Antibiotics can treat STDs caused by bacteria, yeast, or parasites. There is no cure for STDs caused by a virus, but medicines can often help with the symptoms and keep the disease under control.
Correct usage of latex condoms greatly reduces, but does not completely eliminate, the risk of catching or spreading STDs.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research)
-
Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)
(National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases)
-
Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)
(National Institute of Child Health and Human Development)
Latest News
- Adding in Prescription for Partner Boosts STD Care (06/13/2017, HealthDay)
- April is STD Awareness Month: Know the Facts About Syphilis and How to Protect Yourself (03/30/2017, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
Symptoms
- STD Symptoms: Common STDs and Their Symptoms (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research)
Diagnosis and Tests
- Diagnostic Testing for Sexually Transmitted Infections (American Academy of Pediatrics)
- Genital Problems in Men (American Academy of Family Physicians)
- Genital Problems in Women (American Academy of Family Physicians)
- STD Testing: What's Right for You (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research)
Prevention and Risk Factors
- How to Prevent Sexually Transmitted Diseases (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists) - PDF Also in Spanish
- Pubic "Crab" Lice Prevention and Control (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
- Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) Prevention (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
Treatments and Therapies
- Medications for Sexually Transmitted Infections (American Academy of Pediatrics) Also in Spanish
-
Treatments for Specific Types of STDs/STIs
(National Institute of Child Health and Human Development)
Living With
- STDs (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
Related Issues
- Cervicitis (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research)
- Hepatitis B (American Academy of Family Physicians) Also in Spanish
- Role of STD Detection and Treatment in HIV Prevention (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) Also in Spanish
Specifics
- Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, and Syphilis (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists)
- Molluscum Contagiosum (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
- Pubic "Crab" Lice (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) Also in Spanish
-
What Are Some Types of STDs/STIs?
(National Institute of Child Health and Human Development)
Images
- Lymphogranuloma Venereum (LGV) (Logical Images)
- Molluscum Contagiosum (Logical Images)
- Pediculosis Pubis (Pubic Lice) (Logical Images)
Health Check Tools
- Genital Pain in Men (DSHI Systems)
- Genital Sores in Men (DSHI Systems)
- Vaginal Discharge (DSHI Systems)
Statistics and Research
- 2012 Sexually Transmitted Diseases Surveillance (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
- FastStats: Sexually Transmitted Diseases/STD (National Center for Health Statistics)
- Incidence, Prevalence, and Cost of Sexually Transmitted Infections in the United States (National Center for Health Statistics) - PDF
- Reportable STDs in Young People 15-24 Years of Age, by State (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
- State Profiles: HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
Clinical Trials
-
ClinicalTrials.gov: Sexually Transmitted Diseases
(National Institutes of Health)
Journal Articles References and abstracts from MEDLINE/PubMed (National Library of Medicine)
Teenagers
- About Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) (Nemours Foundation) Also in Spanish
- Pubic Lice (For Parents) (Nemours Foundation) Also in Spanish
- STDs (For Parents) (Nemours Foundation) Also in Spanish
- Talking to Your Partner about Condoms (Nemours Foundation) Also in Spanish
- What Are STDs and STIs? (Department of Health and Human Services, Office on Women's Health)
Men
-
How Can Men Reduce the Risk of Getting a Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD)?
(National Institute of Child Health and Human Development)
- What Gay, Bisexual and Other Men Who Have Sex with Men Need to Know about Sexually Transmitted Diseases (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
Women
- Sexually Transmitted Infections (Department of Health and Human Services, Office on Women's Health)
- Sexually transmitted infections, pregnancy, and breastfeeding (Department of Health and Human Services, Office on Women's Health)
- STDs and Pregnancy (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) Also in Spanish
Seniors
- Safe Sex Tips for Seniors (AGS Foundation for Health in Aging)
Patient Handouts
- Chancroid (Medical Encyclopedia) Also in Spanish
- Condom Fact Sheet in Brief (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) - PDF Also in Spanish
- Donovanosis (granuloma inguinale) (Medical Encyclopedia) Also in Spanish
- Genital sores - female (Medical Encyclopedia) Also in Spanish
- Genital sores - male (Medical Encyclopedia) Also in Spanish
- Safe sex (Medical Encyclopedia) Also in Spanish