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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 infections (STIs)?

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), or sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), 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 STIs, like herpes and HPV, are spread by skin-to-skin contact.

Some STIs can be passed to the fetus during pregnancy or during childbirth. Other ways that some STIs may be spread include during breastfeeding, through blood transfusions, or by sharing needles.

There are more than 20 types of STIs, including:

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

What causes sexually transmitted infections (STIs)?

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

Who is affected by sexually transmitted infections (STIs)?

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

What are the symptoms of sexually transmitted infections (STIs)?

STIs 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, STIs 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 (belly) pain
  • Fever

How are sexually transmitted infections (STIs) diagnosed?

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

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

What are the treatments for sexually transmitted infections (STIs)?

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

It's important to get treatment if you have an STI. Some types of STIs can cause serious health problems if they are not treated.

Can sexually transmitted infections (STIs) be prevented?

The surest way to protect yourself against STIs is to not have sex.

If you do decide to have sex, you can lower your risk of getting an STI by:

  • Having you and your partner tested for STIs before having sex.
  • Using a condom every time you have sex. Correct usage of latex condoms greatly reduces, but does not completely eliminate, the risk of catching or spreading STIs. If your or your partner is allergic to latex, you can use polyurethane condoms.
  • Reducing your number of sex partners. You might even consider "mutual monogamy" with just one partner. This means that you agree to be sexually active only with them, and they agree to be sexually active only with you. But first you should both get tested to make sure that you don't already have an STI.
  • Getting vaccinated against HPV and hepatitis B.

Courtesy of MedlinePlus from the National Library of Medicine.

Syndicated Content Details:
Source URL: https://medlineplus.gov/sexuallytransmittedinfections.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 Diagnosing or 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


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

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

View Profile
Laura L. Hollenbach, M.D.

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

View Profile
Kristina M. Jones, M.D.

Kristina M. Jones, M.D. Obstetrician/Gynecologist

View Profile
Morgan M. Knight, M.D.

Morgan M. Knight, M.D. Obstetrician/Gynecologist

View Profile
Nirvana A. Manning, M.D.

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

View Profile
Hannah C. Martin, CNP

Hannah C. Martin, CNP Women's Health Nurse Practitioner

View Profile
Renee P. McGraw, M.D.

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

View Profile
Lettie A. Odom, M.D.

Lettie A. Odom, M.D. Obstetrician/Gynecologist

View Profile
Amy M. Phillips, M.D.

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

View Profile
Mary Luann Racher, M.D.

Mary Luann Racher, M.D. Obstetrician/Gynecologist

View Profile
Dora Mah Smith, M.D.

Dora Mah Smith, M.D. Obstetrician/Gynecologist

View Profile
Michael V. Smith, M.D.

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

View Profile
William Scott Sosbee, M.D.

William Scott Sosbee, M.D. Obstetrician/Gynecologist

View Profile
Kathryn C. Stambough, M.D.

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

View Profile
Lindsey B. Sward, M.D.

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

View Profile
Chad B. Taylor, M.D.

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

View Profile
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 Disease 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 Northwest exterior (FMC sign)

Student and Employee Health Services Clinic at the UAMS Northwest Regional Campus (Part of Family Medical Center in Fayetteville)

1125 N. College Ave.
UAMS Northwest Regional Campus
Fayetteville, AR 72703

Appointment Phone Number
501-686-6381
New and Returning Patients
View Location Get Directions
UAMS Medical Center exterior

Student Health Clinic at the UAMS Medical Center

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.
Midtown Medical Park
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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