• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
Choose which site to search.
UAMS Health Logo UAMS Health
  • UAMS.edu
  • MyChart
  • Giving
  • Emergency Room
  • Areas of Expertise
  • Locations
  • Providers
  • Patients & Guests
  • Referring Physicians
  • Make an Appointment
  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. The contact is usually vaginal, oral, and anal sex. But sometimes they can spread through other intimate physical contact. This is because some STDs, like herpes and HPV, are spread by skin-to-skin contact.

There are more than 20 types of STDs, including

  • Chlamydia
  • Genital herpes
  • Gonorrhea
  • HIV/AIDS
  • 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 a pregnant woman has an STD, it can cause serious health problems for the baby.

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. But you can still pass it on to others.

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
  • 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

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.

Jon K. Allen, PA Physician Assistant

View Profile
Robert W. Bradsher Jr., M.D.

Robert W. Bradsher Jr., M.D. Infectious Diseases Specialist

View Profile
Mary J. Burgess, M.D.

Mary J. Burgess, M.D. Infectious Diseases Specialist

View Profile
Ryan K. Dare, M.D.

Ryan K. Dare, M.D. Infectious Diseases Specialist

View Profile
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 Diseases Specialist

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

Hazel K. "Kathy" Liverett, M.D. Infectious Diseases Specialist

View Profile
Nirvana A. Manning, M.D.

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

View Profile
Renee P. McGraw, M.D.

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

View Profile
Kristine L. Patterson, M.D.

Kristine L. Patterson, M.D. Infectious Diseases Specialist

View Profile

Locations Where Providers Treat Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Exterior of Outpatient Center

Infectious Diseases Clinic

4110 Outpatient Circle
Outpatient Center
Second Floor, 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
Ground Floor, Room 600
Little Rock , AR 72205

Appointment Phone Number
(501) 686-6381
New and Returning Patients
View Location Get Directions
Exterior of UAMS - Financial Center Parkway

Women’s Health Clinic — Financial Centre Parkway

This location is permanently closed.

Learn more

11300 Financial Centre Parkway
Suite 900
Little Rock, AR 72211

Appointment Phone Number
(501) 526-6900
New and Returning Patients
View Location Get Directions
Freeway Medical Tower

Women’s Health Clinic — Freeway Medical

This location is permanently closed.

Learn more

5800 W. 10th St.
Freeway Medical Tower
Seventh Floor
Little Rock, AR 72205

Appointment Phone Number
(501) 296-1800
New and Returning Patients
View Location Get Directions

Areas of Expertise for Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Gynecology (Part of Women's Health)

At UAMS, our gynecologists are highly trained to provide the best in medical treatment. Using the vast resources of the only academic medical center in the state of Arkansas, we …

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

Women’s Health

UAMS is dedicated to continuing to improve women’s health services throughout the state, and we have all the services you need to take care of yourself. From yearly exams to the most …

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
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • YouTube
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest
  • Disclaimer
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy

© 2021 University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences

Please share your location to continue