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  1. UAMS Health
  2. Conditions
  3. Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Condition: Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Also called: STD; Sexually Transmitted Infection

What are sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)?

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), or sexually transmitted infections (STIs), are infections that are passed from one person to another through sexual contact. They are usually spread during vaginal, oral, or anal sex . But sometimes they can spread through other sexual contact involving the penis, vagina, mouth, or anus. This is because some STDs, like herpes and HPV, are spread by skin-to-skin contact.

Some STDs can be passed from a pregnant person to the baby, either during pregnancy or when giving birth. Other ways that STDs may be spread include during breastfeeding, through blood transfusions, or by sharing needles.

There are more than 20 types of STDs, including:

  • Chlamydia
  • Genital herpes
  • Gonorrhea
  • HIV
  • HPV
  • Pubic lice
  • Syphilis
  • Trichomoniasis

What causes sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)?

STDs can be caused by bacteria, viruses, and parasites.

Who is affected by sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)?

Most STDs affect both men and women, but in many cases the health problems they cause can be more severe for women.If an STD is passed to a baby, it can cause serious health problems.

What are the symptoms of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)?

STDs don't always cause symptoms or may only cause mild symptoms. So it is possible to have an infection and not know it. And even without symptoms, STDs can still be harmful and may be passed on during sex.

If there are symptoms, they could include:

  • Unusual discharge from the penis or vagina
  • Sores or warts on the genital area
  • Painful or frequent urination (peeing)
  • Itching and redness in the genital area
  • Blisters or sores in or around the mouth
  • Abnormal vaginal odor
  • Anal itching, soreness, or bleeding
  • Abdominal painn
  • Fever

How are sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) diagnosed?

If you are sexually active, you should talk to your health care provider about your risk for STDs and whether you need to be tested. This is especially important since many STDs do not usually cause symptoms.

Some STDs may be diagnosed during a physical exam or through microscopic examination of a sore or fluid swabbed from the vagina, penis, or anus. Blood tests can diagnose other types of STDs.

What are the treatments for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)?

Antibiotics can treat STDs caused by bacteria or parasites. There is no cure for STDs caused by viruses, but medicines can often help with the symptoms and lower your risk of spreading the infection.

Correct usage of latex condoms greatly reduces, but does not completely eliminate, the risk of catching or spreading STDs. The most reliable way to avoid infection is to not have anal, vaginal, or oral sex.

There are vaccines to prevent HPV and hepatitis B.

Can sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) be prevented?

Correct usage of latex condoms greatly reduces, but does not completely eliminate, the risk of catching or spreading STDs. If your or your partner is allergic to latex, you can use polyurethane condoms. The most reliable way to avoid infection is to not have anal, vaginal, or oral sex.

There are vaccines to prevent HPV and hepatitis B.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Courtesy of MedlinePlus from the National Library of Medicine.

Syndicated Content Details:
Source URL: https://medlineplus.gov/sexuallytransmitteddiseases.html?utm_source=mplusconnect&utm_medium=service
Source Agency: National Library of Medicine

Contents

  • Resources
  • Providers
  • Locations
  • Areas of Expertise
  • Make an Appointment

Resources Related to Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Can You Get Diseases From a Toilet Seat? (Video)

Can I get an STD from a toilet seat? Can I get a disease or infection from sitting on a toilet? Dr. Amy Phillips is here to bust this myth.

Watch the Video

Providers Treating Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Note that every provider listed below may not perform or prescribe all treatments or procedures related to Sexually Transmitted Diseases. Review each provider for availability.

Filter the Providers


Robert W. Bradsher Jr., M.D.

Robert W. Bradsher Jr., M.D. Infectious Disease Physician

View Profile
Ryan K. Dare, M.D.

Ryan K. Dare, M.D. Infectious Disease Physician

View Profile
Joel R. Dickens, M.D.

Joel R. Dickens, M.D. Obstetrician/Gynecologist

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William W.  'Sam' Greenfield, M.D.

William W. "Sam" Greenfield, M.D. Obstetrician/Gynecologist

View Profile
Melissa S. Helmich, M.D.

Melissa S. Helmich, M.D. Obstetrician/Gynecologist

View Profile
Laura L. Hollenbach, M.D.

Laura L. Hollenbach, M.D. Obstetrician/Gynecologist

View Profile
Mitchell B. Jenkins, M.D.

Mitchell B. Jenkins, M.D. Infectious Disease Physician

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Hazel K. 'Kathy' Liverett, M.D.

Hazel K. "Kathy" Liverett, M.D. Infectious Disease Physician

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Michael Spence Lowry, M.D.

Michael Spence Lowry, M.D. Infectious Disease Physician

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Nirvana A. Manning, M.D.

Nirvana A. Manning, M.D. Obstetrician/Gynecologist

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Renee P. McGraw, M.D.

Renee P. McGraw, M.D. Obstetrician/Gynecologist

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Kristine L. Patterson, M.D.

Kristine L. Patterson, M.D. Infectious Disease Physician

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Amy M. Phillips, M.D.

Amy M. Phillips, M.D. Obstetrician/Gynecologist

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Mary Luann Racher, M.D.

Mary Luann Racher, M.D. Obstetrician/Gynecologist

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Juan Carlos Rico Crescencio, M.D.

Juan Carlos Rico Crescencio, M.D. Infectious Disease Physician

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Michael Saccente, M.D.

Michael Saccente, M.D. Infectious Disease Physician

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Dora Mah Smith, M.D.

Dora Mah Smith, M.D. Obstetrician/Gynecologist

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Michael V. Smith, M.D.

Michael V. Smith, M.D. Obstetrician/Gynecologist

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Kathryn C. Stambough, M.D.

Kathryn C. Stambough, M.D. Obstetrician/Gynecologist

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Lindsey B. Sward, M.D.

Lindsey B. Sward, M.D. Obstetrician/Gynecologist

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Chad B. Taylor, M.D.

Chad B. Taylor, M.D. Obstetrician/Gynecologist

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Lauren R. Trimble, CNM

Lauren R. Trimble, CNM Certified Nurse Midwife

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Keyur S. Vyas, M.D.

Keyur S. Vyas, M.D. Infectious Disease Physician

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Alexis  C. White, M.D.

Alexis C. White, M.D. Obstetrician/Gynecologist

View Profile

Locations Where Providers Treat Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Note that the treatment of Sexually Transmitted Diseases may not be performed at every location listed below. The list may include locations where the treatment plan is developed during and after a patient visit.

Filter the Locations


Exterior of Outpatient Center

Infectious Diseases Clinic

4110 Outpatient Circle
Outpatient Center
Suite 2P
Little Rock, AR 72205

Appointment Phone Number
501-686-8000
New and Returning Patients
View Location Get Directions
UAMS Medical Center exterior

Student Health Clinic

4301 W. Markham St.
Central Building
Room 600
Little Rock , AR 72205

Appointment Phone Number
501-686-6381
New and Returning Patients
View Location Get Directions
Women's Center

Women’s Center

6119 Midtown Ave.
Little Rock, AR 72205

Appointment Phone Number
501-526-1050
New and Returning Patients
View Location Get Directions

Areas of Expertise for Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Gynecology (Part of Women's Health)

At UAMS Health, our gynecologists are highly trained to provide the best in medical treatment for every stage of a woman's life.

View Area of Expertise
Image of a pregnant woman lying down on a hospital bed and talking to a doctor.

Women’s Health

UAMS Health is dedicated to continuing to improve women’s health services throughout the state, and we have all the services you need to …

View Area of Expertise

Make an Appointment

Request an appointment by contacting a clinic directly or by calling the UAMS Health appointment line at (501) 686-8000.

UAMS Health LogoUAMS HealthUniversity of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
Mailing Address: 4301 West Markham Street, Little Rock, AR 72205
Phone: (501) 686-7000
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