Table of Contents
Series Foreword xi
Acknowledgments xiii
Introduction xv
Guide to Health Literacy xvii
Common Misconceptions about STDs xxv
Questions and Answers 1
General Information 3
1 What is an STD? 3
2 Is there a difference between an STD and a sexually transmitted infection (STI)? 4
3 How many STDs occur in the United States each year? 6
4 Which STDs are the most common? 7
5 Are there different types of STDs? 8
6 Are there different STDs for men and women? 10
7 Do STDs only happen to young people? 11
8 If I practice anal sex, am I still at risk for STDs? 12
9 What are the risks associated with homosexual sex? 14
10 Does being transgender affect my chances of contracting an STD? 15
11 Can I still get pregnant in the future if I had an STD? 16
12 Can an STD be transmitted to my baby if I get pregnant? 18
13 If neither one of us has an orgasm, can we still get an STD? 21
14 If I had an STD in the past, will it show up on a physical exam or in a blood test later? 22
Different Types of STDs 25
15 What is chlamydia? 25
16 What is gonorrhea? 29
17 What is trichomoniasis? 33
18 What are genital herpes? 35
19 What are genital warts? 41
20 What is syphilis? 45
21 What is Hepatitis B? 52
22 What is Hepatitis C? 55
23 What is HIV? 59
24 What is bacterial vaginosis? 71
25 What are "water warts"? 75
26 What is chancroid? 78
27 What is HPV? 82
28 What is pelvic inflammatory disease? 85
29 What is mucopurulent cervicitis? 88
30 What is lymphogranuloma venereum? 90
31 Is a yeast infection an STD? 93
32 Can men get a yeast infection? 96
33 What are "crabs"? 98
34 What are scabies? 101
Signs, Symptoms, and Diagnosis 105
35 Does everyone always develop symptoms of an STD? 105
36 What are the most common signs and symptoms of an STD? 106
37 Can I be tested for an STD and how? 107
38 How soon can I be tested for an STD after having unprotected sex? 108
39 Is there a test for every STD? 110
40 Can I tell if someone has an STD before having sex with them? 111
Treatment and Prevention 113
41 What should I do if I think I have an STD? 113
42 What can happen if an STD isn't treated? 114
43 Does my partner have to be treated if I have an STD? Or do I have to get treatment if my partner has an STD but I feel OK? 115
44 Can I treat an STD on my own naturally or with over-the-Counter medication? 117
45 Are STDs preventable? 119
46 Does douching after sex minimize my chances of getting an STD? 120
47 Do lubricants or spermicides decrease my chances of contracting an STD? 121
48 Is there anything I can do through diet, exercise, or taking supplements to minimize my chances of getting an STD? 122
49 Can STDs be transmitted through oral sex? 124
50 If I have an STD, am I contagious? 126
51 Do uncircumcised men transmit STDs more? 128
Case Studies 131
Glossary 145
Directory of Resources 147
Index 151
About the Author 155