Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Source: American Academy of Family Physicians
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are infections you can get by having sex with someone who has an infection. These infections are usually passed by having intercourse, but they can also be passed through other types of sex, such as oral sex. STDs can be caused by viruses or bacteria.
Who is at Risk?
If you have ever had sex, you may be at risk for having an STD. If you have had many sex partners, have had sex with someone who has had many partners, or have had sex without using condoms, you are at higher risk. See your doctor if you are at risk for having an STD or if you have any concerns about whether you have one. Most STDs can cause further problems if not treated.
Prevention
The only way to be sure to prevent STDs is by not having sex. You can lower your risk by only having sex with someone who is not having sex with anyone else and who does not have an STD, and by always using condoms. STDs that are caused by bacteria can be treated with antibiotics. Those that are cause by viruses can’t be cured at this time. But much can be done to treat the symptoms viruses cause.
Listed below are links to information about sexually transmitted diseases.
This information should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health professional before starting any new treatment or making any changes to existing treatment:
Medline Plus – Sexually Transmitted Diseases
dmoz Open Directory – Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Sexually Transmitted Infections
Most Common Sexually Transmitted Diseases Website
CDC- Division of Sexually Transmitted Diseases
