Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are infections picked up during sex.  They are also called sexually transmitted infections (STIs)

STDs are caused by:
* viruses such as HIV, herpes, hepatitis and warts
* bacteria such as gonorrhea and chlamydia
* parasites such as crabs and scabies.

You can sometimes get crabs and scabies without having sex, as they can be picked up from sharing clothes, bedding and towels.

When condoms are used correctly, they have been proven effective at stopping HIV and other STDs being passed on during oral and anal sex.  For more info on oral sex and condoms see the safer sex page by clicking here.

Having oral and anal sex without condoms are the most common ways that STIs are passed on, but they can be spread by other types of sexual contact. 

Sometimes you may not notice obvious symptoms.  And you can have an infection for quite a long time before any symptoms start to show.  Symptoms can also be inside someone's body where they can't be seen, such as when herpes, warts or a syphilis sore are inside someone's anal canal. 

Some men go to a clinic to be checked a couple of times a year to be aware of their HIV status and to have a general physical exam.  If you have sex with lots of men you should be checked more often.  But if you feel there might be something wrong, a visit to your local clinic is strongly recommended.

The tests for STDs are quick and easy, and most STDs can be cured.  Those that can't be cured (like herpes and HIV) can often be controlled with drugs.  You can be vaccinated against Hepatitis A and B.

If you are diagnosed with an STD, don't have sex until your clinic says it's okay.  You can pass on an infection if you have sex before any treatment's finished and before the clinic tells you it's safe.  You'll be told by the clinic if they want you to come back so that they can check the treatment has worked.

No STD will cure itself.  Even if the symptoms seem to get better, you'll still have an infection.  And until you're given the all-clear from your doctor, you could give the infection to others so you need to refrain from having sex till your infection has been completely cleared up.

Infections left untreated can end up causing serious health problems or damage to your body.  And if you have an STD, you're more likely to pick up or pass on HIV if you have unprotected sex.

Viruses cannot be cured by medicines.  They are difficult to treat as antibiotics have no effect and it's very hard to make vaccines against them. 

Eventually your body's own immune system will deal with a virus, either killing it off or keeping it under control.  Some viruses may stay in your body for years (like warts) or even a lifetime (like HIV or herpes).

A virus is more likely to cause symptoms when your immune system isn't managing to keep it under control for example, when you are stressed out or not getting enough sleep.


Viral STDs include: (click each STD to get more info)
* HIV
* Herpes
* Genital Warts/Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)
* Hepatitis

Bacteria are easy to treat as they are killed by antibiotics.  When this happens the infection has gone from your body.  It will only come back if you get infected again. 

Bacterial STDs include:  (click each STD to get more info)
* Gonorrhea
* Chlamydia
* Syphilis

Parasites are small creatures that live on or inside your body.  Some, like crabs, are big enough to see.  Some, such as crabs, don't harm you but can be a nuisance. 

Parasitic STDs include:  (click each STD to get more info)
*  Crabs
*  Scabies

Jaime Foxx speaks to the urgency of the HIV epidemic among young African Americans and encourages people to talk about HIV.  This video is part of the CDC "Iknow" campaign.  Visit www.actagainstaids.org for more info. 

Ludacris speaks about the impact of HIV/AIDS on African American youth, and encourages youth to talk about HIV, by sending out texts, knowing their status, posting this video and updating their profiles.  This video is part of the CDC "Iknow" campaign.  Visit www.actagainstaids.org for more info.

Info from CDC and THT

Page last updated:  02/05/13