Commonly Asked Questions

About Sexually Transmitted

Diseases (STDs) 

U.S. Department of Health & Human Services: Office of Public Health and Science - Office of Population Affairs

Teen Talk #2

The Basics

What is an STD?

STD stands for “Sexually Transmitted Disease.”

These infections are passed from person to person

during sexual activity (vaginal, oral, or anal

intercourse). Some infections are curable, while

others are not. It is estimated that more than 15

million new cases of STDs occur in the U.S. each

year. Approximately one quarter (3.75 million) of

the new cases occur among teenagers. 

Who can get an STD?

Anyone who engages in sexual activity.

How do I know if I have an STD?

Since many STDs do not have any obvious

symptoms, the only sure way to know is by

having a medical exam and lab tests.

Do latex condoms protect you

from getting an STD?

For sexually active people, the most effective

strategy for reducing the risk of STDs and

preventing HIV/AIDS is correct and consistent

use of latex condoms. However, research shows

that condoms may not provide as much

protection against some STDs such as HPV

(genital warts). Abstinence — not having sex — is

the only 100% sure way to avoid an STD.

Who can I talk to?

A parent, teacher, school nurse, family 

doctor, clergyman or other responsible adult.

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES

Office of Public Health and Science

Office of Population Affairs

Wait

TThhiinnkk

Talk

“What are the

Consequences of

STDs?”

⌧ Gonorrhea and Chlamydia: 

These STDs can cause serious 

health problems if not diagnosed 

and treated early:

 pelvic inflammatory disease

(PID) can damage fallopian 

tubes and make it difficult or 

impossible to have a baby 

(infertility);

 chronic pain in the lower 

abdomen;

 tubal pregnancy (also called 

ectopic pregnancy) — a 

condition where the pregnancy 

grows in the fallopian tube rather

than the uterus. It is dangerous 

and requires immediate medical 

care.

⌧ HPV (genital warts): Infection with 

some types of HPV has been 

linked to cancer of the cervix.

⌧ Syphilis: This STD can cause 

blindness, heart disease, mental 

illness, joint damage, and death, if 

not diagnosed and treated early.

⌧ HIV/AIDS: People who develop 

AIDS have severely weakened 

immune systems, which can lead to

infections and death. STDs 

increase the risk of getting and 

transmitting HIV/AIDS. There is no 

cure for AIDS at this time.

Males who are infected with STDs

can transmit the infection to their

partners, who, if pregnant, can

transmit the infection to their babies!
Prevention

How can I prevent an STD?

Abstinence (not having vaginal, anal, or oral sex) is the best

and only 100 percent effective way to prevent getting a

sexually transmitted disease. Only having sex with one person

who has been tested for STDs is the next best way to

prevent getting HIV/AIDS and other STDs. Teens who choose

to have multiple sexual partners should always use latex

condoms. Latex condoms can help protect against STDs and

HIV/AIDS, but they do not provide perfect protection against

all STDs. To those teens involved in high-risk behaviors and

relationships and to those who may have relations with highrisk populations, the message is: the latex condom is the only

contraception method that may protect against some STDs,

including HIV/AIDS. 

If I am taking birth control pills, can I

still get an STD?

YES! Birth control pills only protect against pregnancy, not

STDs. People who take birth control pills or use hormonal

injections, implants or patches to prevent pregnancy should

also use latex condoms to reduce the risk for getting an STD,

including HIV/AIDS.

What should I do if I think I have an STD?

If you think you have been exposed to an STD, you should

go to a clinic or doctor as soon as possible to be tested and

treated. Health departments, which diagnose and treat STDs,

are located in almost every county and city. They provide

confidential information and will help answer any questions

you may have about STDs.

When should I have a checkup?

All sexually active teens should be seen by a health provider

to be screened for STDs. Teens who have had sex with more

than one person are at greater risk of getting an STD or

HIV/AIDS.

CDC National STD and AIDS Hotline

(800) 227-8922

Website

Division of STD Prevention, CDC

http://www.cdc.gov/nchstp/dstd/dstdp.html

Common Myths

Myth: If I don’t have symptoms,

that means I don’t have an STD.

Fact: You can be infected with an STD and not know

it. The only sure way to know if you have an STD is

by having a medical exam and lab tests.

Myth: HIV/AIDS is the only STD

that can’t be cured.

Fact: STDs caused by viruses — genital herpes,

genital warts, and HIV/AIDS — cannot be cured,

although some medications may reduce the severity

and/or delay the appearance of symptoms.

STDs caused by bacteria (like chlamydia,

gonorrhea, and syphilis) can usually be cured with

antibiotics. If they are not treated early, serious long

term problems, like pain and infertility, can develop.

For additional copies, please contact: Office of Population Affairs Clearinghouse

Email: clearinghouse@dhhsopa.net • Phone: 866 640-PUBS (7827) • Fax: 866 592-FAXX (3299)

Mail: PO Box 30686, Bethesda, MD 20824-0686 • Copies available for download at website: http://opa.osophs.dhhs/gov/publications

March 1998, Reprinted July 2001, Updated March 2003

Where To Get More Information

About STD Prevention

Chlamydia

⌧ 3/4 of women and 1/2 of men infected have no 

symptoms

⌧ Discharge from the genital organs

⌧ Burning with urination

⌧ In women, lower abdominal and/or back pain; pain 

during intercourse

Gonorrhea

⌧ Discharge from the genital organs

⌧ Burning or itching during urination

⌧ Pelvic Pain

⌧ Frequently no symptoms in females

Syphilis

⌧ Painless sores on genitals (10 days to 3 months 

after infection)

⌧ Rash (3-6 weeks after sores appear)

HIV/AIDS (human immuno-deficiency

virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome)

⌧ No symptoms may appear for years until symptoms 

of AIDS occur

HPV (human papillomavirus)

⌧ Genital warts (sometimes warts are not visible)

Genital Herpes

⌧ Itching, burning, or pain in the genital area

⌧ Blisters or sores (sores always heal but can re-appear

throughout your life).

If you experience any of these symptoms, go to a doctor

or clinic as soon as possible!

“What are the Symptoms

of the common STDs?”