Sexually Transmitted Diseases
When it comes to your sexual health, having accurate and comprehensive information on STDs, and STIs is essential. Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) or sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are a concern for almost everyone. But as more information becomes available, staying safe is getting easier, through both preventative methods and treatment.
Expand All Guide SectionsSTD Information
Due to the seriousness of some sexually transmitted diseases, it's important that people of all ages and sexual orientations learn what they are and how to deal with them. In this section, you'll find basic STD information, including how they're transmitted from one person to another.
Insights for STD Information
- When searching for information on STDs, you may also find them called sexually transmitted infections, or STIs. Many organizations have changed to using the term STIs in order to recognize that not all of the illnesses are diseases. You've also probably heard the term "venereal disease" but it is no longer in use, as it did not encompass all sexually transmitted ailments.
- Some Web sites that deal with sex and sexual topics might have an agenda that goes against what you believe. If in doubt as to who is sponsoring and running the site, find the "About Us" page, where you should be able to learn more.
- Know that there are many different kinds of STDs and that the information in this guide is meant for general reference. If you'd like information about a specific STD, try searching for the name of it on one of the sites we've recommended below.
- When looking for information about STDs, be aware that some sites may provide photos of the infections; these photos might be too graphic for certain users.
Top Sites for STD Information
To test your knowledge of STDs ...
MedlinePlus
offers this interactive tutorial explaining what sexually transmitted diseases are. The module includes a quiz to test your knowledge of STDs. This tutorial is also available in Spanish.
For STD definitions and fact sheets ...
National Prevention Information Network,
part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, provides this information on various sexually transmitted diseases. The different types of infections are explained, and most of the descriptions are also available in Spanish.
University of California, Santa Barbara's
SexInfo site covers "STD's A to Z." It lists all the common sexually transmitted infections and several uncommon ones. When you click on the links, you are brought to a description of the infection. Note that you may find some of the photos graphic.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
offers several printable fact sheets on the most common sexually transmitted diseases. They are available in HTML or PDF format and most are also available in Spanish.
Sexually Transmitted Diseases Guide
provides information about the most common sexually transmitted diseases. There are also statistics about STD transmission and infection.
For information about women and STDs ...
The National Women's Health Information Center
presents information on sexually transmitted diseases. It reviews signs and symptoms and how STDs can affect a pregnant woman.
STD Prevention
Although some STDs are easily treated, others have no cure. The sites below discuss the concept of safe, or safer, sex, and explain STD prevention, including the best ways to protect yourself from contracting an infection, or from passing an infection on to others.
Insights for STD Prevention
- Most Web sites on STD prevention offer much of the same information, but it's always a good idea to verify any info you find online with other reliable sites, or with your health care professional.
Top Sites for STD Prevention
For general STD prevention information ...
American Academy of Family Physicians
provides information on how to prevent sexually transmitted diseases. It reviews the male and the female condom, as well as other barriers.
National Prevention Information Network
explores how to prevent and reduce your risk of sexually transmitted diseases.
I Wanna Know,
a Web site sponsored by the American Social Health Association for teens, has a complete STI prevention guide.
STD Testing
If you think you have an STD, it's important to get tested as soon as possible so that you can prevent spreading it to your partner and start getting treatment right away. Use the sites below for more information on STD testing.
Insights for STD Testing
- Many cities/states have free clinics where you can get tested or treated for an STD. If you can't locate a testing center using the sites below, try searching for "STD testing" and the name of your city or state in a general search engine.
Top Sites for STD Testing
Sex, Etc.
is a site that provides teens and parents with information on sexuality. This page offers information on getting tested for STDs.
National Prevention Information Network
has a search feature to help you find a testing center near you. Simply enter your location information and choose "STD Testing" from the services dropdown menu.
I Wanna Know,
a Web site of the American Social Health Association for teens, offers information on testing for STIs along with links to organizations that provide testing.
STD Treatment
Most sexually transmitted diseases are bacterial, meaning they are caused by bacteria. Those diseases are treated and usually cured with antibiotics. Other infections are viral (caused by viruses) and viruses can't be treated with antibiotics. Use this section to find Web sites that describe STD treatment options.
Insights for STD Treatment
- When reading information on the Web about treatments or cures for illnesses, be very careful about the quality of the site you are reading. If the site promises miracle cures or asks for money, beware. The name of the organization and the "About Us" link can help you learn more about the quality of the information.
- The following sites are to be used as a guideline for understanding possible treatments available, but see your physician before you begin any treatment.
- Researchers are making new discoveries all the time. To stay up to date on progress being made in treating STDs, read the "STD Research" section of this guide.
- AIDS is sometimes considered an STD but it can also be transmitted through other activities. For information about AIDS, see our findingDulcinea AIDS Web Guide.
Top Sites for STD Treatment
For general STD treatment information ...
MedicineNet.com
provides comprehensive descriptions of the most common sexually transmitted diseases. Each disease is defined along with a discussion of symptoms and diagnosis. Treatment is covered last, including the medications used, the usual dosages and how often they are given.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
has treatment guidelines for sexually transmitted diseases created by the CDC in consultation with medical professionals. Here you'll find critical updates to recommended treatment regimens for various STDs.
American Social Health Association
provides information and answers to common questions about most types of STDs. Choose a disease from the list on the left and get information about causes, symptoms and treatment. Most of the sections cover tips about how to avoid reinfection and what you should expect during the treatment period.
Teaching Children About STDs
Sex can be an uncomfortable topic for many adults to discuss with their children. The Web has many resources to help parents in this situation. In this section, you'll find some sites that are teen- and child-friendly in tone and subject matter, as well as information to help teaching children about STDs.
Insights for Teaching Children About STDs
- Don't let embarrassment keep you from speaking to your children about such an important topic. If it's easier to find a Web site and tell your child about it, you can use this as a springboard to open communication.
- Some Web sites are very graphic in both language and images. Parents may want to review sites before recommending them to their child if they don't want their children to see certain elements or read about certain topics.
Top Sites for Teaching Children About STDs
For advice on how to talk to your kids about STDs ...
American Social Health Association
offers this article on how to talk to your children about sex, sexual behavior and sexual health. The authors suggest ways to make yourself an "approachable, askable parent" and offer tips for preparing for "the big talk."
KidsHealth
has a parents' section that offers advice on talking to your children about sexually transmitted infections. It provides tips for talking and commonly asked questions about STDs so that you are informed and prepared to talk to your kids.
Peer to Peer
Web site is home to "Stop, Think, Be Safe," an STD prevention program. The section for parents offers practical tips on talking to kids about STDs, like how to initiate the conversation, creating an open environment and communicating your values.
Illinois Department of Public Health
provides "Beyond the Birds and Bees: Talking to Your Kids About AIDS/HIV, STDs and Unintended Pregnancy." The article offers advice on how to communicate with your child about these sensitive issues.
For STD information aimed at an adolescent or teen audience ...
American Academy of Family Physicians
provides information in language that's appropriate for teenagers. It reviews what sexually transmitted diseases are, how they are transmitted, and signs and symptoms. This information is also available in Spanish.
I Wanna Know,
a Web site sponsored by the American Social Health Association, is geared toward teens. It discusses sexually transmitted diseases and has links to frequently asked questions that teenagers may be uncomfortable discussing with parents or peers.
AVERT
is an international AIDS charity. The Web site has a section devoted to teens who are concerned about sexuality and disease. You'll find several links on safer sex and birth control, as well as booklets in PDF format.
TeensHealth
is especially for teens, written in language meant for them. The site covers how sexually transmitted infections are spread, how to prevent and treat them, and it provides links to the more common types of STDs for further information. There's also information on talking to your partner about using a condom.
STD Support Groups
Sex and sexuality can be hard to talk about, so finding support if you have an STD may seem difficult. Luckily, there are Web sites that are available to people who need to talk about their infection or just spend time chatting with people who understand what they're going through. This section offers a few Web sites that can provide STD support groups and other resources.
Insights for STD Support Groups
- Be careful about the information you provide about yourself in online chat rooms or community message boards. Don't give out personal information to strangers.
- As mentioned earlier, plenty of myths about STDs are in circulation. To protect yourself from misinformation, always check anything you learn online with one of the official sites above, or with your doctor.
- A blog can be a good way for you to create a sort of public diary about your experience and possibly connect with others. Would you rather read about someone else's experience? Try a blog search for your specific STD, but beware that search terms such as the names of STDs can return results that have explicit sexual content, graphic photos or are otherwise off topic.
Top Sites for STD Support Groups
For general STD support or to get advice ....
American Social Health Association
provides this message board to help you connect with others with sexually transmitted infections. There are specific message boards for people with human papillomavirus (HPV) and herpes, and a forum for seniors with STDs.
National Prevention Information Network
has a searchable database of organizations that can help you locate counselling, support or testing services in your area.
Sex, Etc.
provides teens and parents with information on sexuality. For an online community, check out the sponsored chats on this site, or post in the forums. Have a question you're embarrassed to ask? Use the "Ask the Experts" feature to get advice anonymously.
AVERT's
"Help & Advice" area provides toll free numbers for people in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom who have concerns about HIV/AIDS and STDs.
To find a friend or date who understands or shares your condition ....
PositiveSingles.com
is a large online community for people living with STDs as well as people interested in meeting others with STDs. The forum section of this site allows users to post concerns or questions about life, love or questions specific to STDs. Guest membership is free and allows you to set up a profile and look at other profiles.
POZ Personals
allows people (HIV/AIDS positive or negative) to meet and interact with others in a private and safe environment. POZ Personals is part of a larger site that has information, a calendar of events and other resources for people living with HIV/AIDS.
Prescription 4 Love
specializes in matching people with medical and health conditions (such as STDs, cancer, HIV, obesity and others) for friendship or romantic relationships
STD Research
As with many medical conditions, STD research is constantly being done and there are always new ways to think about prevention and cures. In this section, you will find sites that provide the latest research findings.
Insights for STD Research
- When reading Web sites about the latest research findings, be careful of any claims that seem too good to be true. Check the source of the study or claim to verify the findings.
- Take advantage of the Internet to spark conversation with your doctor. If you learn of a new drug or are intrigued or confused by the results of a new study, be sure to bring it up.
Top Sites for STD Research
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
keeps records of news releases and announcements regarding sexually transmitted infections. Although the site is meant for health care professionals, it has a lot of interesting information for the general public as well.
Clinical Infectious Diseases
is a professional journal for doctors who work in the field. You must have a subscription to read the full articles but the abstracts are available online.
The Journal of Infectious Diseases
also covers sexually transmitted diseases. Again, only the abstracts are available if you don't have a subscription.
© 2012 Dulcinea Media, Inc.
