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This chart is designed to be a guide for females, regardless of sexual orientation, to determine the risks, symptoms and treatments of common Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs). ALWAYS consult your doctor and REQUEST to be tested. Men, click here.

for women:	Chlamydia (the clap)	Gonorrhea	Genital Herpes	HPV	Syphilis	Trichomoniasis (Trich or Trick)
what it is	Caused by bacteria.	Caused by bacteria.	Caused by the herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) and rarely type 1 (HSV-1).	Caused by human papillomavirus (HPV), a group of viruses with different strains.	Caused by bacteria.	Caused by a single-celled protozoan parasite.
how you get it / spread it	During vaginal, anal, or oral sex. Contact between any combination of the mouth, urethra/penis, vagina and rectum. From mother to baby during vaginal birth.	During vaginal, anal, or oral sex. Contact between any combination of the mouth, urethra/penis, vagina and rectum. From mother to baby during vaginal birth.	Released from the sores, but can be released between outbreaks from healed skin, during sex and contact between any combination of the mouth, urethra/penis, vagina and rectum.	During vaginal, anal, or oral sex. Contact between any combination of the mouth, urethra/penis, vagina and rectum.	Direct contact with a syphilis sore during sex and contact between any combination of the mouth, urethra/penis, vagina and rectum. From mother to baby during pregnancy.	Through penis-to-vagina intercourse or vulva-to-vulva contact. Women can acquire the disease from infected men or women.
what you see / how you feel	Abnormal vaginal discharge (yellowish) or a burning when urinating. May include lower abdominal / back pain, nausea, fever, pain during intercourse, or bleeding between periods. *3/4 of infected women have no symptoms!	Abnormal vaginal discharge (greenish), a burning when urinating, or vaginal bleeding between periods. Rectal infection may include discharge, anal itching, soreness, bleeding, or painful bowel movements. May cause a sore throat. *Most women who are infected have no symptoms!	HSV-2 appears as blisters or sores on or around the genitals or rectum. HSV-1 can rarely cause genital herpes, but commonly appears on the mouth and lips. Outbreaks may include flu-like symptoms, including fever and swollen glands. *Most people infected with HSV-2 are not aware of their infection!	Pre-cancerous changes in the cervix, vulva or anus detected through regular Pap tests. Some people get visible genital warts. *Most women who are infected have no symptoms!	Primary Stage - appearance of a firm and painless sore. Secondary Stage - skin rash and mucous membrane lesions. May include flu-like symptoms. Late Stage - difficulty coordinating muscle movements, numbness, blindness, and dementia. *Most people mistake symptoms for something else!	Vaginal discharge (frothy, yellow-green) with a strong odor. May cause discomfort during intercourse and urination. Irritation and itching of the genital area.
long-term problems	Can spread into the uterus or fallopian tubes and cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which can lead to chronic pelvic pain, infertility, and ectopic pregnancy.	Can cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which can lead to chronic pelvic pain, infertility, and ectopic pregnancy. Can spread to the blood or joints.	Recurrent painful genital / oral sores and psychological distress. The virus stays in the body in nerve roots called the ganglion.	May lead to cancer of the cervix, vulva, vagina or anus. Pap test abnormalities or genital warts.	Damage to the internal organs, including the brain, nerves, eyes, heart, blood vessels, liver, bones, and joints. This damage may be serious enough to cause death.	Increase a susceptibility to HIV infection. May increase the chance of passing HIV to sex partner(s). Pregnant women may have babies born early or with low birth weight.
the test	Lab test: urine sample or sample from the cervix.	Lab test: urine sample or sample from the cervix, urethra, rectum, or throat.	Lab test: sample from the sore. Inspection if the outbreak by a medical professional. Blood test.	Pap test: to detect cancerous changes in the cervix. HPV DNA test.	Lab test: sample from the sore. Blood test. Every pregnant woman should have a blood test for syphilis.	Physical examination and lab test.
the treatment	Can be treated and cured with antibiotics.	Can be treated and cured with antibiotics. Treatment is becoming difficult as drug-resistant strains develop.	No cure. Outbreaks can be shortened and prevented with antiviral medications.	No cure. Some infections go away on their own. Pap test follow-ups. Genital warts can be removed by medications or treatments.	Can be treated and cured with antibiotics. More is needed for someone who has had syphilis for longer than a year.	Can be treated and cured with a prescription drug.
who has it	An estimated 2.8 million Americans are infected each year.	More than 700,000 Americans get new gonorrheal infections each year.	About 45 million Americans. 2 out of 10 adolescents and adults have had it.	About 6.2 million Americans. 5 out of 10 sexually active people will get it.	Highest rates in women 20 to 24 years.	An estimated 7.4 million new cases occur each year. Highest rates in women.
info links	Chlamydia - CDC Fact Sheet	Gonorrhea - CDC Fact Sheet	Genital Herpes - CDC Fact Sheet	Genital HPV Infection - CDC Fact Sheet	Syphilis - CDC Fact Sheet	Trichomoniasis - CDC Fact Sheet
info links	STDs and Pregnancy - CDC Fact Sheet

*Information compiled from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Center for Health & Behavior Training (CHBT).

This chart is designed to be a guide for males, regardless of sexual orientation, to determine the risks, symptoms and treatments of common Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs). ALWAYS consult your doctor and REQUEST to be tested. Women, click here.

for men:	Chlamydia (the clap)	Gonorrhea	Genital Herpes	HPV	Syphilis	Trichomoniasis (Trich or Trick)
what it is	Caused by bacteria.	Caused by bacteria.	Caused by the herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) and rarely by type 1 (HSV-1).	Caused by human papillomavirus (HPV), a group of viruses with different strains.	Caused by bacteria.	Caused by a single-celled protozoan parasite.
how you get it / spread it	During vaginal, anal, or oral sex. Contact between any combination of the mouth, urethra/penis, vagina and rectum.	During vaginal, anal, or oral sex. Contact between any combination of the mouth, urethra/penis, vagina and rectum.	Released from the sores, but can be released between outbreaks from healed skin, during sex and contact between any combination of the mouth, urethra/penis, vagina and rectum.	During vaginal, anal, or oral sex. Contact between any combination of the mouth, urethra/penis, vagina and rectum.	Direct contact with a syphilis sore during sex and contact between any combination of the mouth, urethra/penis, vagina and rectum. From mother to baby during pregnancy.	Through penis-to-vagina intercourse. Men usually contract it only from infected women.
what you see / how you feel	Discharge from the penis (yellowish) or a burning sensation when urinating. May also have burning and itching around the opening of the penis. Rectal infection may include pain, discharge, or bleeding. Can also be found in the throat. *1/2 of infected men have no symptoms!	Burning sensation when urinating, or a white, yellow, or green discharge from the penis. Sometimes painful or swollen testicles. Rectal infection may include discharge, anal itching, soreness, bleeding, or painful bowel movements. May cause a sore throat. *Most men who are infected have no symptoms!	HSV-2 appears as blisters or sores on or around the genitals or rectum. HSV-1 can rarely cause genital herpes, but commonly appears on the mouth and lips. Outbreaks may include flu-like symptoms, including fever and swollen glands. *Most people infected with HSV-2 are not aware of their infection!	Pre-cancerous changes in the penis or anus. Some people get visible genital warts on the penis, scrotum, groin, thigh or anal area. Men can get it and pass it on without ever knowing. *Most men who are infected have no symptoms and never develop warts!	Primary Stage - appearance of a firm and painless sore. Secondary Stage - skin rash and mucous membrane lesions. May include flu-like symptoms. Late Stage - difficulty coordinating muscle movements, numbness, blindness, and dementia. *Most people mistake symptoms for something else!	Irritation inside the penis, mild discharge, or slight burning after urination or ejaculation.
long-term problems	Infection sometimes spreads to the epididymis (a tube that carries sperm from the testis), causing pain, fever, and, rarely, sterility.	Can cause epididymitis, a painful condition of the testicles that can lead to infertility if left untreated. Can spread to the blood or joints.	Recurrent painful genital / oral sores and psychological distress. The virus stays in the body in nerve roots called the ganglion.	Certain types of HPV have been linked to cancer of the anus and penis in men.	Damage to the internal organs, including the brain, nerves, eyes, heart, blood vessels, liver, bones, and joints. This damage may be serious enough to cause death.	No major complications.
the test	Lab test: urine sample or sample from the urethra (urine canal).	Lab test: urine sample or sample from the urethra (urine canal), rectum, or throat.	Lab test: sample from the sore. Inspection if the outbreak by a medical professional. Blood test.	No test approved to detect HPV or early evidence of HPV-associated cancers in men.	Lab test: sample from the sore. Blood test.	Physical examination and lab test. Harder to detect in men.
the treatment	Can be treated and cured with antibiotics.	Can be treated and cured with antibiotics. Treatment is becoming difficult as drug-resistant strains develop.	No cure. Outbreaks can be shortened and prevented with antiviral medications.	No cure. Genital warts can be removed by medications or treatments.	Can be treated and cured with antibiotics. More is needed for someone who has had syphilis for longer than a year.	Can be treated and cured with a prescription drug.
who has it	An estimated 2.8 million Americans are infected each year.	Highest rates are among sexually active teenagers, young adults, and African Americans.	Most people contract oral herpes when they are children by receiving a kiss from a friend or relative.	About 6.2 million Americans. 5 out of 10 sexually active people will get it.	The rate in men was 3.5 times more than in women, especially with men who have sex with men (MSM).	An estimated 7.4 million new cases occur each year in both men and women.
info links	Chlamydia - CDC Fact Sheet	Gonorrhea - CDC Fact Sheet	Genital Herpes - CDC Fact Sheet	Genital HPV Infection - CDC Fact Sheet	Syphilis - CDC Fact Sheet	Trichomoniasis - CDC Fact Sheet

*Information compiled from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Center for Health & Behavior Training (CHBT).

This chart is designed to be a guide for people, regardless of sexual orientation, to determine the risks, symptoms and treatments of HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis B.

	HIV / AIDS	Hepatitis B
what it is	HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a virus that weakens the immune system, which can lead to AIDS. A person is diagnosed with AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) after getting and indicator illness or on the basis of certain blood tests.	Serious liver disease caused by a virus which is called hepatitis B virus (HBV).
how you get it / spread it	Spread by exposure to infected blood and sex fluids. HIV enters the body through a skin puncture / sore or by contact with mucous membranes (the mouth, eyes, urethra/penis, vagina and rectum). Spread by sharing needles and other drug tools. From mother to infant during pregnancy, delivery or while breastfeeding. *The presence of other STDs/STIs increases the likelihood of both transmitting and acquiring HIV!	During vaginal, anal, or oral sex with the exchange of body fluids, such as blood and spit. Contact between any combination of the mouth, urethra/penis, vagina and rectum. Spread by exposure to infected blood from skin puncture or contact with mucous membranes. Spread by sharing needles. From mother to infant during birth.
what you see / how you feel	Symptoms of HIV are similar to many other illnesses and many people have no symptoms at all.	May include yellow skin or yellowing of the whites of your eyes (jaundice); tiredness; loss of appetite; nausea; abdominal discomfort; dark urine; grey-colored bowel movements; or joint pain. *Most people who are infected have no symptoms!
long-term problems	Weakened immune system causing difficulty fighting off certain infections. These infections can cause problems or even death in someone with AIDS. Having HIV does not automatically mean a person will develop AIDS.	Chronic infection increases the risk for cirrhosis (scarring of the liver), liver cancer, and liver failure. About 15%-25% of people with chronic HBV infection might die prematurely from liver cirrhosis or liver cancer.
the test	Blood test or oral swab. Click here for testing locations.	Blood test: the only way to diagnose
the treatment	No cure. Drug therapies and other medical treatments can slow the progression of HIV into AIDS and can prevent and treat illnesses associated with AIDS.	No medications available for acute HBV infection. Antiviral drugs available for the treatment of chronic HBV infection.
who has it	An estimated 850,000 to 950,000 people in the US living with HIV; approximately 1/4 do not know they are infected.	1 out of 20 people in the United States have been infected with HBV.
info links	HIV/AIDS - ASHA Overview	Hepatitis B - CDC Fact Sheet

*Information compiled from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Center for Health & Behavior Training (CHBT) and the American Social Health Association (ASHA).

submit your question here

I'm on the pill...does that also protect against diseases?
All hormonal birth control methods are designed to ONLY prevent pregnancy. They do not provide any protection against STD/STIs, HIV or AIDS. This is true of all other methods of birth control (the patch, Depo, diaphragm, the cap, etc.), except condoms. Latex and polyurethane condoms, both male and female designs, are the only contraceptive products designed to create a barrier between partners. This barrier prohibits the direct contact of skin, reducing the spread of bacteria and virus. Lamb-skin condoms only prevent pregnancy, not disease and infection.

Do condoms prevent STDs?
STDs are spread through topical contact when a pathogen is present on the surface of the skin and in bodily fluids, so condoms are an excellent prevention tool to limit such contact. BUT male condoms only protect the tip and shaft of the penis, and female condoms only protect the vaginal canal and labia minora and majora. STDs can also be spread to the anus, inner and outer thighs, mouth, eyes, and nose. The use of a dental dam (a latex sheet) or plastic wrap can provide additional protection by creating barriers to other sensitive body parts.

Does a man have to cum to give an STD to their partner?
Ejaculation DOES NOT have to occur for an STD/STI to be spread. Some diseases are spread through skin to skin contact, meaning they are "topical". Other infections and can be spread when sexual fluids, spit or blood are absorbed into the rectum, mouth, vagina, urethra or eyes or are transferred through open sores or cuts. See the STD / STI summary chart for men and for women.

When I go to the gyno for annual check-ups, am I being tested for STDs?
No! It is your responsibility to request STD and/or STI tests if you have engaged in any risky sexual behavior. Risky sexual behavior includes, but is not limited to, having unprotected intercourse vaginally or anally and giving or receiving oral sex. Some naked outer-course activities are also considered risky for the spread of STDs. Do not be embarrassed to request these tests. Feel empowered that you are taking control of your sexual health and being responsible!

How do I know if I have an STD or STI?
You may not know. Many STI symptoms resemble yeast or urinary tract infections and may go unnoticed. If you're infected during your menstrual cycle, you may not notice any symptoms. If you did engaged in risky sexual behavior and notice changes in your genital area, especially unexplained itching, irritation, liquid discharge or smell, make sure to visit a doctor for appropriate tests.

Where can I go to get tested?
Your family doctor or a gynecologist can usually test for most types of STDs/STIs. If you feel shy going to a doctor that also knows your family and friends, there are other facilities and non-profit groups that can test anonymously and confidentially. Check out our list of national resources and local (Ann Arbor / Metro Detroit) resources.

Why do most people not have symptoms of STDs?
Symptoms vary from person to person depending on type and length of exposure and differences in immune systems. A person's response to an STD is similar to the flu, some have extreme reactions to exposure and some are mild. Some people do have symptoms but mistake them for more common issues like ingrown hairs or pimples in and around the groin area. Others may be in denial that a problem is present and ignore the issue.

If I've already had an STD, can I still get it again?
Absolutely! How many colds and flu have you had in your life? Partners can spread infections back and forth, much like a cold is passed around the office.

Can I get an STD from oral sex?
Most definitely! STD and STIs can be passed through oral play. Virus and bacteria like warm, moist areas and the mouth, nose and eyes are vulnerable.

Can I get an STD from a sex toy?
If you share your adult products with others and do not clean them in between use, then yes, you could pass viruses, bacteria and HIV. If you are sharing a product and cannot properly clean in between, use a condom over the toy.

Does lubrication "kill" diseases?
No, lubrications are not designed to kill diseases. They are designed to add moisture to the skin. Spermicide does not "kill" disease, either. Spermicide only kills sperm and can actually irritate the skin, which may create entryways for disease to enter the body.

Are gay men at a higher risk of contracting STDs?
Not necessarily. Behavior misconceptions are still abundant regarding anal sex with gay men. Anal sex, for both men and women, is risky and one needs to be aware of those risks. Education regarding sexual activity and risk is more visible in the gay communities. Many organizations sponsor outreach targeting these communities at bars and nightclubs.

Can lesbians get and give diseases to their partners?
Yes, diseases and infections are not homophobic, racist, or discriminating. People are people.

What's the difference between Herpes 1 & 2?
The Herpes 1 virus generally lives in the upper ganglia nerve center and most often appears as "cold sores" around the mouth, nose and sometimes eyes. The Herpes 2 virus generally lives in the base of the back and sores most often appear in the genital area. Blood tests for the virus do not indicate the location of the virus in the body.

Safer Sex Talk - [ Diseases & Infections ]

STD / STI Summary Chart - WOMEN

STD / STI Summary Chart - MEN

Summary Chart - HIV / AIDS and Hep B

Disease & Infection Q&A