Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs), also called Sexually Transmitted Infections, are passed from one person to another person through sexual contact. You can have an STD without showing any signs or symptoms. Many STDs can be easily treated, so ask your doctor about what testing is right for you. Talk with your partner about getting tested as well.

Prevention

The best way to prevent an STD is to not have vaginal, oral, or anal sex.

If you do have sex, you can lower your risk of getting an STD by following easy precautions. The precautions work best when used together. No single precaution can protect you from every single type of STD. For more information or to learn about our STD clinic visit our Confidential HIV/STD Counseling & Testing page.

Recommended Screening Schedule:

• Ages 13-64: At least one HIV test
• Sexually active gay and bisexual men: Annual screening for syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea. Those who have multiple partners or anonymous partners should be tested more frequently.
• Men who have unsafe sex* or share injection drug equipment: HIV, gonorrhea, and chlamydia screening every year.

*Unsafe sex is defined as those who do not use a condom correctly every single time they have sex, have unprotected sex, multiple or anonymous sex partners, or a sex partner who has an STD.