On this page you’ll find STDs information and resources to answer your
questions.
Q. What is an STD?
A.
Sexually-transmitted infections (STIs), also known as sexually-transmitted
diseases (STDs), are diseases that are commonly transmitted between partners
through some form of sexual activity, most commonly vaginal intercourse, oral
sex, or anal sex. They were commonly known as venereal diseases (VD) until some
time around 1990, when public health officials introduced the new term STDS in
an effort to improve the clarity of their warnings to the public.
Q. What is Syphilis?
A. A sexually
transmitted disease (STD) caused by Treponema pallidum bacteria. The initial
symptom of syphilis is a painless open sore that usually appears on the penis or
around or in the vagina. If untreated, syphilis may go on to more advanced
stages, including a transient rash and, eventually, serious involvement of the
heart and central nervous system.
Q. What is pubic
lice?
A. Tiny insects that live in the pubic hair and other
hairy areas, except the scalp. Pubic lice are spread through close physical
contact with someone who has them. They also are called "crabs."
Q. What is Gonorrhea?
A. A serious
bacterial STD infection that is caught by having sex with an infected person. A
person can become infected when the bacteria enter any opening in the body,
including the penis, anus, vagina or mouth. Gonorrhea also is called "clap" or
"drip."
Q. What is Chlamydia?
A. An
infection caused by Chlamydia trachomatis, an type of organism similar to
bacteria. Chlamydia is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases
(STDs). About 50% of infected men and 70% of infected women have no symptoms at
all. In women, chlamydia initially infects the cells of the cervix from where it
may ascend into the uterus, fallopian tubes and abdomen. It may cause PID
(pelvic inflammatory disease), which may permanently damage the tubes and cause
sterility/infertility. Men may notice a white/cloudy and watery discharge from
the tip of the penis and pain when passing urine. Chlamydia can be successfully
treated with common antibiotic.
Q. What are genital
warts?
A. Genital warts (or condyloma) is a very contagious
sexually transmitted disease. Caused by some variants of the Human
papillomavirus, typically HPV 6 and HPV 11, it is spread during oral, genital or
anal sex with an infected partner. About two-thirds of people who have sexual
contact with a partner with genital warts will develop warts, usually within
three months of contact