Last Updated on June 4, 2020 by Shuvani Sanyal, MD
Find an STD you’re interested in reading about, and click to read its related STD information in-depth.
In-Depth STD Information on 20 STDs – A to Z
Chancroid – Chancroid is almost always spread through sexual contact. Most people in the U.S. who are diagnosed with chancroid have traveled outside the country to areas where the disease is known to occur more often.
Chlamydia – Chlamydia is most commonly sexually transmitted and can infect the penis, vagina, cervix, anus, urethra, eye, or throat.
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) – Cytomegalovirus is usually spread during casual contact, and it can also be transmitted during sex.
Genital Warts (HPV) – Genital Warts are soft growths on the skin and mucus membranes of the genitals. They may be found on the penis, vulva, urethra,vagina, cervix, and around and in the anus. The virus that causes genital warts is called human papillomavirus (HPV). Not all types of HPV cause genital warts.
Gonorrhea (‘The Clap’) – Anyone who has any type of sex can contract gonorrhea. The infection can be spread by contact with the mouth, vagina, penis, or anus.
Hepatitis (A, B & C) – Hepatitis can be caused by infections from viruses (such as hepatitis A, B, or C), bacteria, parasites, or other factors. Hepatitis A can be transmitted if you participate in sexual practices that involve oral-anal contact. Hepatitis B infection can be spread through having contact with the blood, semen, vaginal fluids, and other body fluids of someone who already has a hepatitis B infection. Hepatitis C can be spread through having unprotected sexual contact with a person who has hepatitis C (this risk is much less common than hepatitis B, but the risk is higher for those who have many sex partners, already have a sexually transmitted disease, or are infected with HIV).
Herpes (HSV1 & HSV2) – Herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1 and type 2 (HSV1 & HSV2). HSV1 usually affects the mouth and lips and causes cold sores or fever blisters. However, it can spread from the mouth to the genitals during oral sex. HSV2 most often causes genital herpes.
HIV & AIDS – HIV infection is a condition caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). HIV can be spread by the following: through sexual contact – including oral, vaginal, and anal sex; through blood – through blood transfusions, accidental needle sticks, or needle sharing; from mother to child – a pregnant woman can transmit the virus to her fetus through their shared blood circulation, or a nursing mother can pass it to her baby in her breast milk.
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) – There are more than 70 types of HPV. About 40 types of HPV can infect the genital area — the vulva, vagina, cervix, rectum, anus, penis, or scrotum. HPV infection spreads from one person to another through sexual contact involving the anus, mouth, or vagina.
Intestinal Parasites – 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 spread through sexual contact. The infection is not caused by the same bacteria that causes genital chlamydia.
Molluscum Contagiosum – Molluscum 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 often spread by saliva and close contact. It is known as ‘the kissing disease’, and occurs most often in those age 15 to 17. However, the infection may develop at any age.
Mycoplasma Genitalium – Mycoplasma 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. It has only recently been identified as a sexually transmitted infection (STI). It is spread through vaginal, anal or oral sex. It can also be transmitted by sex toys and hands and fingers if they have been in contact with an infected person’s genitals or anus.
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.
Pubic Lice (‘Crabs’) – Pubic Lice is found mostly in teenagers and usually spreads during sexual activity.
Scabies – Scabies is spread by skin-to-skin contact with another person who has scabies.
Syphilis – Syphilis has often been called ‘the great imitator’ because so many of the signs and symptoms are indistinguishable from those of other diseases. Syphilis is passed from person to person through direct contact with a syphilis sore through vaginal, anal, or oral sex.
Trichomoniasis (‘Trich’) – Trich 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 be caused by bacteria, yeasts, viruses, and other parasites and some sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can also cause vaginitis.
The In-Depths contain information on how you can get specific sexually transmitted infections and diseases, how to know if you have them, how they are diagnosed, complications, and expectations of each sexually transmitted disease. These in-depths are a great second stop in becoming familiar with specific sexually transmitted infections and diseases and the facts surrounding their diagnosis and treatment; however, they are by no means everything one can learn about sexually transmitted infections or diseases, of course.
The Briefs are often accessed first as they contain information about how common certain infections and diseases are, classification, tests usually performed for diagnosis, and common symptoms.
After visiting these pages, the blogs associated with each sexually transmitted disease and infection will offer additional information as well as the resources and references links on the top of every page.
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These posts and pages are updated frequently. Should you have a suggestion for us on improving them or including something you had hoped to find here, please do not hesitate to contact us via the contact form. We love suggestions and find external input to be our best resource in making this website a high quality reference tool for those who have or think they might have contracted a sexually transmitted infection or disease, those who are living with a sexually transmitted infection or disease, and those who love someone with a sexually transmitted infection or disease.
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