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What Is A Sexually Transmitted Disease?
A sexually transmitted disease (STD) is an infection that spreads from one person to another through sexual contact. This includes vaginal, oral, and anal sex, and in some cases, even close skin-to-skin contact..
STDs can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites. Some STDs can have mild symptoms or no symptoms at all, while others can cause serious health problems if not treated. -
What's The Difference Between A Sexually Transmitted Disease V. Infection?
A sexually transmitted infection (STI) is the early stage when a person has the germ but may not feel sick, while a sexually transmitted disease (STD) happens when the infection causes symptoms or health problems.
Many infections are called STDs even if they don’t cause obvious signs at first. Doctors often use the term "STI" because it reminds people that you can carry and spread an infection even if you feel fine. Early testing and treatment can help prevent serious health issues. -
What Are The Most Common STD/STIs?
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are common, especially among teens and young adults. Many people who have an STI don’t notice symptoms right away, which is why testing matters.
Some commonly discussed STIs include chlamydia, gonorrhea, HIV, and hepatitis C, among others. Each infection affects the body differently and may require different types of testing or treatment.
At Relate Care, testing is available for chlamydia, gonorrhea, rapid HIV, and rapid hepatitis C (HCV). A medical professional can help you understand which tests may be appropriate for you.
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How Much Is STD/STI Testing?
The cost of STD/STI testing can vary widely depending on where you go and which tests are needed.
At Relate Care, STD/STI testing and treatment are provided at no cost, and no insurance is required. Services are offered confidentially and outside of insurance billing.
If you have questions about what testing is available or what to expect, our team can explain your options before or during your appointment.
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How Can I Prevent STD/STIs?
While abstaining from sex is the only method that eliminates all risk of STD/STIs, there are some steps you can take to reduce your risk.
Regular testing and honest communication with partners can lower the chance of transmission. It’s also important to know that some infections can be spread even when no symptoms are present.
A medical professional can help you understand your personal risk factors and answer questions about prevention during an appointment.
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Can You Cure An STD/STIs Without Going To The Doctor?
In most cases, STD/STIs should be evaluated and treated by a licensed medical professional.
Some infections require prescription medication, and others need follow-up care to make sure treatment worked. Trying to self-treat or delay care can lead to complications or ongoing infection.
At Relate Care, licensed medical professionals provide testing, explain results, and offer treatment when appropriate.
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How Are STD/STIs Transmitted?
STD/STIs, also called venereal diseases, are passed from one person to another through sexual contact.
This includes vaginal, oral, and anal sex, and in some cases, even close skin-to-skin contact. Some STD/STIs, like HIV and syphilis, can also be passed through blood, shared needles, or from a mother to her baby during birth. Many infections spread even when there are no signs or symptoms, which is why testing and prevention are so important. -
Can You Get An STD/STI From Oral Sex?
Yes, you can get an STD/STI from oral sex.
Infections like herpes, gonorrhea, syphilis, chlamydia, HPV, and even HIV can be spread through oral contact with the genitals or anus. Even if a person has no visible symptoms, they can still pass on an infection. That’s why it’s important to be careful and get tested regularly if you are sexually active.
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Can You Get An STD/STI From Kissing?
Yes, some STD/STIs can be passed through kissing, but it is less common.
Infections like herpes (HSV-1) are the most likely to spread through kissing, especially if one person has cold sores. Other STD/STIs, like syphilis, can also be passed through open sores in the mouth, but this is rare. Most STD/STIs are spread through sexual contact rather than kissing alone, but it’s still possible when there are cuts, sores, or infections in the mouth.
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Can You Catch An STD/STI From A Toilet Seat?
No, you cannot catch an STD/STI from a toilet seat.
STD/STIs are spread through direct sexual contact, not from touching objects like toilet seats. The germs that cause STD/STIs cannot survive long on surfaces outside the human body. It’s important to practice good hygiene, but you don’t need to worry about catching an STD/STI this way.
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Is Bacterial Vaginosis An STD/STI?
No, bacterial vaginosis (BV) is not an STD/STI, but it is linked to sexual activity.
BV happens when the natural balance of bacteria in the vagina gets upset, which can be influenced by things like having new or multiple sexual partners. However, you can get BV without having sex at all. While BV itself isn't considered an STD/STI, having it can make it easier to get other infections, so it’s important to get checked and treated if needed.
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Is Herpes 1 An STD/STI?
Herpes type 1 (HSV-1) is usually not considered an STD/STI, but it can be spread through sexual contact.
HSV-1 most often causes cold sores around the mouth and is usually passed through kissing or sharing personal items. However, it can also spread to the genitals through oral sex, where it acts like a sexually transmitted infection. Many people have HSV-1 and may not even know it because symptoms can be mild or not show at all.
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What Is "The Clap"?
"The Clap" is a slang term for gonorrhea, a common sexually transmitted disease (STD).
Gonorrhea is caused by bacteria and can infect the reproductive tract, throat, rectum, and eyes. It often causes painful urination and unusual discharge, but sometimes people have no symptoms at all. Without treatment, gonorrhea can cause serious health problems, including infertility. It can usually be cured with antibiotics if caught early.
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What Do "Crabs" Look Like?
"Crabs" are tiny lice that live in pubic hair and look like small, grayish or brownish insects about the size of a pinhead.
They are often called pubic lice and can sometimes be seen moving in the hair or attached to the skin. Their bites can cause itching, redness, and small blue spots where they feed. Crabs spread through close physical contact, including sexual activity, and can be treated with special shampoos or lotions.