Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are infections that pass from one person to another through sexual contact. This can be from vaginal, anal, or oral sex, and from genital-to-genital contact. STDs are also called sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Common STDs in the U.S. are:

• Chlamydia.

• Genital herpes.

• Gonorrhea.

• Hepatitis B.

• HIV/AIDS.

• Human papillomavirus (HPV). This causes genital warts.

• Trichomoniasis.

• Syphilis.

Information for these STDs is given below.

Do you want to rule out an STD because you have had many sex partners and you are starting a new sexual relationship or are planning to get married or pregnant?

Safer Sex” To Help Prevent STDs

• The only sure way to avoid STDs is not having sex. This includes intercourse, oral sex, anal sex, and genital-to-genital contact. Caressing, hugging, dry kissing, and masturbation are no risk or extremely low-risk practices. So is limiting your sexual contact to one person your entire life. This is if your partner does not have an STD and has sex only with you.

• Latex and polyurethane condoms can help reduce the risk of spreading HIV and other STDs (i.e., chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis). To do this, they must be used the right way for every sex act. They do not get rid of the risk entirely. Barriers made of natural membranes, such as lamb skin, do not give good protection against STDs.

• Females and males should use latex or polyurethane condoms every time they have genital-to-genital contact and/or oral sex. Use polyurethane condoms if either partner is allergic to latex. You don’t need condoms to prevent STDs if you have sex only with one partner and neither of you has an STD.

• For oral-vaginal sex and oral-anal sex, use latex dams (“doilies”). These are latex squares.

• Latex condoms with spermicides, such as nonoxynol-9 (N–9) are no better than other lubricated condoms for preventing HIV/STDs. Spermicides with N–9 do not prevent chlamydia, cervical gonorrhea, or HIV. Don’t use spermicides alone to prevent HIV/STDs. Using spermicides with N–9 often has been linked with genital lesions which may increase the risk of spreading HIV. Also, N–9 may increase the risk of spreading HIV during anal intercourse.

• Use water-based lubricants, such as K-Y Brand Jelly. Don’t use oil-based or “petroleum” ones, such as Vaseline. They can damage latex barriers.

• To lower your risk for HPV, use latex or polyurethane condoms. These work best at covering areas of the body that HPV is most likely to affect. A diaphragm does not prevent the spread of HPV.

• Don’t have sex while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. You are less likely to use “safer sex” measures.

• Limit sexual partners. Sexual contact with many persons increases the risk for STDs, especially if no protection is used.

• Discuss a new partner’s sexual history with him or her before you start having sex. Know that persons are not always honest about their sexual past.

• Avoid sexual contact with persons whose health status and health practices are not known.

• Follow your doctor’s advice to check for STDs.

 To Treat STDs

Medical care is needed for STDs. With medical care, do the self-care measures that follow.

For Genital Herpes

• If prescribed an oral antiviral medicine, take it as directed.

• Bathe the affected area twice a day with mild soap and water. Pat dry with a towel or use a hair dryer set on warm. Using a colloidal oatmeal soap or bath may be soothing.

• Use a sitz bath to soak the affected area. You can buy a sitz bath basin from a medical supply or drug store.

• Apply ice packs on the affected genital area for 5 to 10 minutes to relieve itching and swelling.

• Wear loose-fitting pants or skirts. Don’t wear pantyhose. Wear cotton (not nylon) underwear.

• If pain is made worse when you urinate, squirt tepid water near the urinary opening while you pass urine. Or, urinate while using a sitz bath.

• Take a mild pain reliever as directed.

• Ask your doctor about using a local anesthetic ointment, such as lidocaine, during the most painful part of an outbreak.

• Wash your hands if you touch the blisters or sores. Don’t touch your eyes during an outbreak. Doing this could spread the virus to your eyes.

• To help avoid spreading the virus to others, use latex barriers during sex and skin-to-skin contact.

For HPV

If you are female, don’t smoke. If you smoke, quit.

For Trichomoniasis

Don’t drink alcohol for 24 hours before, during, and 24 hours after taking metronidazole. The combination causes vomiting, dizziness, and headaches.

See also Self-Care / Prevention for Hepatitis B and for HIV/AIDS.