Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)

Minority Women's Health > African Americans > Health Topics > Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)

Over 25 diseases are spread through sex. Some STDs seem to affect certain groups more than others. African Americans have higher rates of chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and herpes than whites.

STDs are more easily passed from men to women. And many STDs have no symptoms. If you're having sex, get tested for STDs.

Know the ABCs of STDs

The best way to protect your body is to know the "ABCs" of STDs. You can feel proud knowing you are doing your best to keep both you and your partner safe and healthy for life. Remember, if you choose not to follow A, B, or C, you could get a sexually transmitted disease (STD), including HIV, the virus that causes AIDS.

A= Abstinence

Not having sex of any kind (vaginal, anal, or oral sex) is the only 100% effective way to avoid getting STDs.

B= Be faithful

Being in a sexual relationship with only one partner who is free of an STD and who is also faithful to you limits the chance of infections.

C= Condoms

If you fail to follow A or B, use a latex condom. Latex condoms have been proven to reduce the risk of getting infected with HIV and many other STDS, if used correctly and consistently every time you have sex.

Publications

Chlamydia - This fact sheet briefly describes the symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, possible complications, prevention, and current research on chlamydia infections. Other topics covered include effects on pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and effects of chlamydia on newborns.
http://www3.niaid.nih.gov/healthscience/healthtopics/chlamydia/index.htm
Consultation to Address STD Disparities in African American Communities - This is a meeting report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that discusses why African Americans have a higher incidence of sexually transmitted diseases. It also creates a plan for the future.
http://www.cdc.gov/std/general/STDHealthDisparitiesConsultationJune2007.pdf
Frequently Asked Questions - Sexually Transmitted Diseases - This fact sheet explains in clear language what a Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) is and why these diseases can pose problems to women's health. It lists common STDs affecting women and describes their symptoms, explains how doctors test for STDs, and explains how women can protect themselves from ever contracting an STD. This fact sheet also provides a list of resources that offer more information on STDs.
http://www.womenshealth.gov/faq/stdsgen.htm
Genital Herpes - This fact sheet describes the symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, possible complications, prevention, and current research on genital herpes. Other topics covered include re-occurrence and effects on the transmission of HIV/AIDS.
http://www3.niaid.nih.gov/healthscience/healthtopics/genital_herpes/default.htm
Gonorrhea - This fact sheet briefly describes gonorrhea with information on prevention, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, what can happen if it goes untreated, and complications for pregnant women and newborns.
http://www3.niaid.nih.gov/healthscience/healthtopics/gonorrhea/index.htm
Human Papillomavirus and Genital Warts - This fact sheet briefly describes the symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, possible complications, and prevention of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and genital warts.
http://www3.niaid.nih.gov/healthscience/healthtopics/human_papillomavirus/index.h...
Sexually Transmitted Diseases: Tutorial - This online tutorial gives information to the general public about sexually transmitted diseases.
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/tutorials/sexuallytransmitteddiseases/htm/inde...
STDs and Pregnancy - This on-line fact sheet answers common questions that a pregnant woman may have about sexually transmitted diseases. Some topics that are discussed are becoming infected with an STD, STD trends in pregnant women, and treatments for STDs in pregnant women.
http://www.cdc.gov/std/STDFact-STDs&Pregnancy.htm
STDs Today - This on-line publication provides a detailed review of important STD infections affecting people in the United States. For each disease, this publication provides an overview of key issues, risk groups, and basic statistics.
http://www.cdcnpin.org/scripts/std/std.asp
Syphilis - This fact sheet briefly describes the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of syphilis. The effects of the disease in pregnant women are also discussed.
http://www3.niaid.nih.gov/healthscience/healthtopics/syphilis/default.htm

Organizations

= Indicates Federal Resources

Current as of December 2007