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What are STDs?

STD stands for Sexually Transmitted Disease, often referred to as STI, or Sexually Transmitted Infection. STDs include bacterial infections like chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis, viral infections like HIV/AIDS and herpes, and other infections such as trichomoniasis that is caused by a parasite.

How could I get an STD?

The majority of STDs are contracted through vaginal, oral or anal sex with someone who is infected. However, you can get a STD by sharing dirty needles, razors or toothbrushes with an infected person too.

Bottom line, unless you are in a mutually monogamous relationship with an uninfected partner, you are at risk of catching a STD. Besides these situations, you have a higher risk if:

• You have oral, vaginal or anal sex with someone who’s infected
• You have sex without using a condom
• You have more than one sex partner
• You have sex with someone who’s had a lot of sex partners
• You use drugs and share needles or works
• You have sex when drinking or using drugs
• You trade sex for money or drugs

STDs are serious!

All STDs are serious diseases, and if you think you have one, or may have been exposed, you need to see a health care provider right away. Medicine can cure many STDs, but others, like HIV/AIDS, hepatitis and herpes can’t be cured. However, with treatment, you can still live a long productive life, even if you have the disease.

But you can’t treat an STD if you don’t know you have it. And you can’t know you have it unless you get tested.