The term sexually transmitted disease (STD) refers to a condition passed from one person to another through sexual contact. A person can contract STD by having unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex with someone who has STD.

What are sexually transmitted diseases? 

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), or sexually transmitted infections (STIs), are infections that are passed from one person to another through sexual contact. The contact is usually vaginal, oral and anal sex. But sometimes these infections can be transmitted non-sexually, such as from mother to infant during pregnancy or childbirth, or through blood transfusions or shared needles. Some STDs, such as herpes and HPV, are spread by skin-to-skin contact as well. STDs can be caused by bacteria, viruses and parasites. Some of the most common STDs are HIV/AIDS, chlamydia, genital herpes, HPV, gonorrhea, pubic lice, syphilis and trichomoniasis. 

How do to know if one has an STD?   

Symptoms of STD can develop within a few days or weeks, but sometimes they do not appear until months or even years later. Often there are few or no symptoms. If one has concerns about having a STD, visiting a (sexual health) clinic for a confidential check-up is the best option.

What are the 7 most common STDs?  

It is possible to develop STDs without any symptoms. Some common STD symptoms in women include: 

• Fever
• Pain or discomfort during sex or urination,
• Unusual discharge or bleeding from the vagina
• Itchiness in or around the vagina
• Redness, sores, bumps, or rashes on or around the vagina, anus, bums, thighs or mouth

Some common symptoms in men are:

• Fever
• Pain or discomfort during sex or urination
• Unusual discharge or bleeding from the penis
• Painful or swollen testicles
• Redness, sores, bumps, or rashes on or around the penis, testicles, anus, bums, thighs or mouth

How can STD's be prevented?  

The only sure way to prevent yourself from STDs is not to have sex. If you do have sex, here is how you can lower your risk:

• Know your partner first. Has your partner ever had sex without a latex condom? How many previous partners has he or she had? Has your partner ever had an STD, and if so, has it been cured?
• Have a mutually monogamous sexual relationship with an uninfected partner
• Limit the number of your partners and avoid those that do not practice safe sex
• Use (consistently and correctly) a male latex or female polyurethane condom and topical microbicides
• Delay having sexual relationships if possible. The younger a person is when he or she begins having sex, the more susceptible the person becomes to developing STDs
• Avoid anal intercourse or use a male latex condom and topical microbicides
• Sexual intercourse during menstruation can increase the risk of developing some STDs, so use of a condom is wise
• Have regular check-ups for STDs