An Overview of Sexually Transmitted Diseases, or STDs

Whether you call them STDs, venereal disease, or sexually transmitted diseases, these diseases aren't an idle threat to keep careless sexual activity in check. STDs [more…]

STDs: A Look at Candidiasis

Often called a yeast infection, candidiasis is actually an STD caused by a fungus, candida, that normally lives in people’s mouths and intestines, as well as in the vaginas of many healthy women. When [more…]

STDs: What to Know about Chlamydia

Chlamydia is the most common STD in the United States, affecting 3 million people every year. Chlamydia often comes without symptoms, which is why it spreads so easily. Unfortunately, it also can come [more…]

STDs: What to Know about HPV and Genital Warts

About 5.5 million people are infected in the United States every year with genital warts, which are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV has become so common that it is estimated that 80 percent [more…]

STDs: Understanding Gonorrhea

Gonorrhea is a rarity in the world of STDs: a disease that is steadily declining. That said, gonorrhea often shows no symptoms, so it remains a threat to anyone who does not practice safer sex. [more…]

STDs: What to Know about Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is one of two sexually transmitted diseases for which a preventive vaccine exists. Hepatitis B is very contagious, 100 times more so than HIV. Hepatitis B can be transmitted through intimate [more…]

STDs: What to Know about Herpes

Herpes, which is caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV), is an incurable STD. Herpes actually has two forms: herpes simplex–type 1 (HSV-1) and herpes simplex–type 2 [more…]

STDs: What to Know about HIV/AIDS

If you’ve heard of only one STD, it's probably AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome), which is linked to infections by HIV (human immunodeficiency virus). Why is so much more attention given to HIV/AIDS [more…]

STDs: Understanding Pelvic Inflammatory Disease, or PID

Pelvic inflammatory disease, or PID, is the term used for a genital infection in a woman that has spread into the deeper organs of her reproductive system, including the uterus, fallopian tubes, or the [more…]

STDs: Pubic Lice, Trichomoniasis, and Molluscum Contagiosum

More than 30 STDs (sexually transmitted diseases) exist — and three of them are public lice (crabs), trichomoniasis, and the Molluscum contagiosum virus. Knowing about STDs can help you identify which [more…]

How to Avoid STDs

Doctors have no vaccine against AIDS. They have no cure for herpes. You can get STDs that have no symptoms but can later leave you sterile. Are you scared of catching an STD? If you’re not, you should [more…]

How to Talk to a Partner about STDs

If you want to ensure that you remain STD-free — and that you behave as a responsible sex partner — then you must learn how to talk about the risks of AIDS and other infections. In our society, more people [more…]

How to Use Condoms as Safely as Possible

If you want to have safe sex without worrying about STDs or pregnancy, it's essential to understand how to make using condoms as safe as possible. Condoms have become one of the most used methods of contraception—particularly [more…]