Sexually Transmitted Diseases
A sexually transmitted disease (STD) is a disease or an infection that is spread from one person to another through sexual contact. It’s estimated that at any given time one in every five Americans will have an STD, an indicator of how infectious these diseases are. Most STDs are caused by bacteria, parasites or viruses and are transmitted through contact with the genitalia, skin, mouth, anus or bodily fluids. STDs sometimes have no symptoms. If you do have symptoms, they can include mild irritation to severe pain and weakness.
Left untreated, some STDs can cause cancer, infertility or harm to a fetus during pregnancy. In men, they can lead to epididymitis, which can cause a swelling in the scrotum. They can also lead to urethral stricture disease and difficulty with urination; this scarring can happening immediately for years after you have been treated for the STD. Some STDs are curable; others can only be managed.
If you’re sexually active, it’s vital for you to get regularly screened or tested for STDs so they can be detected early.
Certain people may be more at risk for contacting an STD. You are at risk if you:
- Engage in unprotected sex
- Have multiple sexual partners
- Are already infected with a different STD
- Abuse drugs or alcohol
- Share needles for drug use, tattoos or piercings
Chlamydia: This is the most prevalent STD in the United States, and more than half the cases occur in people between 15 and 24 years old.
Gonorrhea: This can cause infertility in both men and women. If left untreated, gonorrhea can increase your chances of getting HIV, the virus that causes AIDs.
Syphilis: Left untreated, syphilis can have dire consequences, sometimes leading to brain damage, heart disease or blindness, and sometimes death.
Genital warts: Genital warts are the most common STD for men and women in the United States. They’re caused by a generally non-cancerous strain of the human papillomavirus (HPV).
Genital herpes: Genital herpes is a common STD caused by a viral infection. It is transmitted through oral, vaginal or anal sex with someone already infected with the virus.
Hepatitis B: Hepatitis B is a potentially deadly viral infection of the liver. It’s a robust virus that can live on surfaces for several days, presenting an opportunity to become infected.
HIV/AIDS: Short for human immunodeficiency virus, HIV is a virus that attacks certain blood cells that help the body fight infection.
Navigate Your Health
Find a Doctor
Find a Doctor
Orlando Health’s team of board-certified physicians includes specialists in nearly every field of medicine. You’ll find all of the healthcare services you need through our comprehensive, multidisciplinary system
Search our physician directory
MyChart
MyChart
MyChart is a secure, online tool that gives you easy access to all of your Orlando Health information from any of your devices. View your medications, test results and health history. Request an appointment or a prescription renewal. Or send a message to your care team. It’s all there in MyChart.
Learn More
Virtual Visit
Virtual Visit
Need to talk with a doctor, but don’t want to leave your home? Try our virtual visit (telehealth) option to connect with a physician from your phone, tablet or computer.
Learn More