Vaginitis is a name for a group of vaginal infections. These include trichomoniasis, bacterial vaginosis (BV), and yeast infections. The only true STD (sexually transmitted disease) is trichomoniasis. But having any type of vaginitis may increase your risk of catching other STDs.

Syphilis spreads through any kind of sexual contact. That is vaginal sex, anal sex, or oral sex. This sexually transmitted disease (STD) or infection (STI) has 3 stages. It gets worse with each stage. Syphilis can be cured. But early treatment is important. Left alone, it can cause lasting damage, like blindness. Syphilis can even cause death.

In women, warning signs of STDs (sexually transmitted diseases) can be hard to notice. That's because the sex organs outside the body (the genitals) aren't easy to see. STDs also often affect the organs inside the body that let you get pregnant. Damage to these organs can sometimes cause sterility - meaning you won't be able to have kids. So learn about your body. Find out what's normal for you. And be sure to have any changes or symptoms checked out.

Male sex organs are mostly outside the body (the genitals). This makes signs of certain STDs (sexually transmitted diseases) easier to spot. But STDs can also spread inside the body and damage the organs that allow you to father a child. This damage can sometimes cause sterility - meaning you won't be able to have kids. Also, men may have fewer symptoms of STDs than women. So pay attention to your body. Learn what's normal for you, and have any symptoms checked out.

The only sure way to prevent STIs (sexually transmitted infections) is not having any kind of sex. But if you do decide to have sex, take steps to protect yourself. Here's what you need to know.

HPV (human papilloma virus) spreads through skin contact. Some types of HPV cause genital warts. Other types put females at higher risk of cancer of the cervix. HPV is very common in all people. And it can't be cured. But there are treatments to remove warts. Tests can also help spot warning signs of cervical cancer.

HIV weakens the parts of the body that fight off disease (the immune system). It spreads through body fluids passed during sex or through infected needles. When HIV starts to cause severe health problems, it's called AIDS. There's no cure for HIV or AIDS. But treatment called antiretroviral therapy can help you stay healthier longer.

Herpes is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) or sexually transmitted infection (STI). It causes painful outbreaks of blisters and sores. It spreads through contact with an infected area—usually a sore on the genitals, rectum, or mouth.

Hepatitis is a disease that harms the liver through inflammation. Read on to learn more.

Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) or a sexually transmitted infection (STI). It spreads when body fluids are passed during sex. Infections can occur in the genitals (vaginal sex), anus (anal sex), and throat (oral sex). You may have no symptoms. Or symptoms can be mild to very painful.