Last Updated on June 4, 2020 by Shuvani Sanyal, MD
Find an STD you’re interested in reading about, and click to read its STD brief or overview.
Summary Information on Over 20 STDs – Briefs
Chancroid – Chancroid is caused by a type of bacteria called Haemophilus ducreyi. It is almost always spread through sexual contact.
Chlamydia – Chlamydia is a disease caused by the bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis. It is most commonly sexually transmitted.
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) – CMV is a virus that is transmitted through many bodily fluids. It is usually spread during casual contact, and it can also be transmitted during sex.
Donovanosis – Donovanosis (granuloma inguinale) is caused by the bacteria Klebsiella granulomatis. It is spread by sexual contact through oral, vaginal, and anal sex. It is often confused with Chancroid or LGV, because symptoms present as beefy, red ulcers on the genitals.
Genital Warts (HPV) – Genital Warts are soft growths on the skin and mucus membranes of the genitals. The virus that causes genital warts is called human papillomavirus (HPV). Not all types of HPV cause genital warts.
Gonorrhea (‘The Clap’) – Gonorrhea is caused by the bacteria Neisseria gonorrhoeae. The infection can be spread by contact with the mouth, vagina, penis, or anus.
Hepatitis (A, B & C) – Hepatitis is swelling and inflammation of the liver. Hepatitis can be caused by infections from viruses (such as hepatitis A, B, or C), bacteria, parasites, or other factors.
Herpes (HSV1 & HSV2) – Herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1 and type 2 (HSV1 & HSV2).
HIV & AIDS – HIV infection is a condition caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) – There are more than 70 types of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV). Over 30 types of HPV can infect the genital area — the vulva, vagina, cervix, rectum, anus, penis, or scrotum.
HTLV – HTLV is short for the Human T Lymphotropic Virus type 1 and type 2 (HTLV-1 and HTLV-2). Although a lifelong infection, the vast majority of people who contract it will never know they have it, because their bodies will develop antibodies to fight the infection.
Intestinal Parasites – Intestinal parasites are microscopic, one-cell animals called protozoa. They infect the intestines. Intestinal parasites are often transmitted by contaminated food and water and during nonsexual, intimate contact. They may also be transmitted sexually.
Lymphogranuloma Venereum (LGV) – LGV is a chronic (long-term) infection of the lymphatic system caused by three different types of the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. The bacteria spreads through sexual contact. The infection is not caused by the same bacteria that causes genital chlamydia.
Molluscum Contagiosum – Molluscum is a viral skin infection that causes raised, pearl-like papules or nodules on the skin. The virus can spread through contact with an infected person, and contaminated objects; such as towels, clothing, or toys. The virus also spreads by sexual contact.
Mononucleosis (‘Mono’) – Mono is a viral infection causing fever, sore throat, and swollen lymph glands, especially in the neck. Mononucleosis, or ‘mono’, is often spread by saliva and close contact.
Mycoplasma Genitalium – Mycoplasma is a bacterium that can infect the urethra, cervix, throat and anus. Mycoplasma genitalium is often associated with bacterial vaginosis (BV) and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in women, and is a common cause of non-gonococcal urethritis in men.
Nongonococcal Urethritis (NGU) – NGU is an infection of the urethra caused by pathogens (germs) other than gonorrhea. Pathogens that can cause NGU include but are not limited to: Chlamydia (most common), Herpes simplex virus (rare), & Mycoplasma genitalium.
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) – PID occurs when bacteria moves from the vagina or cervix into the uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries, or pelvis. Most cases of PID are due to the bacteria that causes chlamydia and gonorrhea.
Pubic Lice (‘Crabs’) – Pubic Lice are small, six-legged creatures that infect the pubic hair area and lay eggs.
Scabies – Scabies is an easily spread skin disease caused by a very small species of mite. Scabies is spread by skin-to-skin contact.
Syphilis – Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum.
Trichomoniasis (‘Trich’) – Trich is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the parasite Trichomonas vaginalis. Transmission includes penis-to-vagina, intercourse, or vulva-to-vulva contact. The parasite cannot survive in the mouth or rectum.
Vaginitis (BV, Yeast, Etc.) – Vaginitis can affect women of all ages and is extremely common. It can be caused by bacteria, yeasts, viruses, and other parasites.
Zika – Zika is a virus that is primarily transmitted by infected mosquitoes. It can affect both men and women and is most common in the Pacific Islands, South and Central America, the Caribbean, Africa, and parts of South and South East Asia. It can also be sexually transmitted.
These briefs contain information on sexually transmitted infections and diseases and the tests used to determine status, how common they are, whether they are life threatening, whether they are life-long, common symptoms, and how they can be cured or treated. These briefs are a great starting point for becoming familiar with specific sexually transmitted infections and diseases and their overall picture, however, they are by no means everything one can learn about sexually transmitted infections or diseases, of course.
The In-Depths are often accessed next as they contain additional information including expectations, complications, symptoms specific to men and women, and additional treatment information.
For just symptoms information, check the symptoms page and the pictures section.
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