Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs), or Sexually Transmitted Infections, are diseases which are passed through vaginal, oral, or anal intercourse.  STDs can be passed through female to male sex, male to male sex, or female to female sex.  STDs can be caused by either a bacteria (bacterial) or a virus (viral).  Bacterial STDs are Gonorrhea, Chlamydia, and others.  Viral STDs are Genital Herpes, HIV, HPV (Human Papillomavirus), and others. 

Most STDs can be cured if treated immediately

Most STDs can be cured if treated immediately, but STDs that are not treated can cause serious lifetime problems.  Having an STD also increases the risk of being infected with HIV.  Viral STDs cannot be cured, but there are medicines to control symptoms. 

Many people with STDs do not show symptoms

Many people with STDs do not show symptoms, or may not notice the symptoms because they often do not cause any pain.  If you notice anything unusual with your body, such as, a lesion (a tear in the skin that may or may not hurt), discharge you do not usually have, a burning sensation when you urinate, rashes, or pain in your abdomen, you should see a doctor or other health professional, or go to a family planning clinic or the STD Clinic at the Columbus Health Department. 

Prevent yourself from getting STDs

The surest way to prevent yourself from getting STDs is to not have sexual contact, or to be in mutually monogamous relationship (meaning neither of you have sex with anyone else).  Your partner should be tested and shown not to have any STDs.  If you are sexually active, use a condom every time you have vaginal, anal, or oral sex. 

Get tested

If you have had unsafe sex and think you may have been with someone who has an STD, see your doctor, or come to the Columbus Health Department Sexual Health Clinic for an exam. 

For More Information

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 

Related Programs and Services

Sexual Health Program and Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD) Clinic

Visit Columbus' Syphilis Elimination website