Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), also called sexually transmitted infections (STIs), are diseases which are passed from one person to another through various types of sexual contact, including vaginal intercourse, oral sex and anal sex. |
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| 1. | Sex |
Vaginal, anal and oral sex are the most common ways of transmitting STDs. |
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| 2. | Blood |
Sharing needles and syringes can inject virus directly into the bloodstream. |
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| 3. | Mother to Baby |
Babies can acquire STD from their mother during pregnancy or birth. |
| Microorganism | Description | Common examples |
Bacteria |
Bacteria are organisms consisting of one cell and generally able to reproduce rapidly. |
Chancroid, Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Syphilis, Nongonococcal urethritis |
Viruses |
Virus is an organism that invades, lives and reproduces within a cell. |
AIDS, Herpes, Hepatitis B, Genital warts |
Parasites |
Parasite is an animal or plant that lives in or on a host. The host is typically harmed by it. |
Pubic Lice (also called crabs), Trichomoniasis, Scabies |
Sexual behaviors, which involve contact with the body or body fluids of another person are considered to have some risk of getting STDs. Ordinary social contacts such as shaking hands, sharing meals, using public swimming pools and traveling on public transport do not spread these infections.