Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Sexually transmitted diseases, or sexually transmitted infections (STIs), are infections that are primarily transmitted through oral, vaginal, or anal sex or genital touching based on person-to-person contact. STI transmission primarily occurs through the mucous membranes (tissue that lines parts of the body) of the mouth, vagina, penis, and anus. STI transmission is more efficient when mucous membranes are compromised such as oral or genital inflammation. STIs can be categorized as two types of infections: bacterial and viral infections. Bacterial infections can be cured with antibiotics. Common types of bacterial infections include chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and trichomoniasis. Viral infections cannot be cured; however, they can be managed through the use of medicines. Common types of viral infections are human papilloma virus (HPV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), ...