STD/STI FAQs

What is a Sexually Transmitted Disease?

A sexually transmitted disease (STD) is an infection passed from one person to another through sexual contact.

STDs can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites. Some cause mild or no symptoms, while others can lead to serious health problems if left untreated.

What's the Difference between a Sexually Transmitted Disease v. Infection?

A sexually transmitted infection (STI) is the early stage when a person has the germ but may not feel sick, while a sexually transmitted disease (STD) happens when the infection causes symptoms or health problems.

Many infections are called STDs even if they don’t cause clear symptoms at first. Doctors often use "STI" to remind people that you can carry and spread an infection even if you feel fine. Early testing and treatment can help prevent serious health issues.

What are the Most Common STDs?

There are six common STDs that affect millions each year, especially young adults.

In the U.S., young adults aged 15 to 24 make up nearly half of all reported STIs yearly, even though they are only about a quarter of the sexually active population. This means about one in four sexually active people in this age group carries an STI.

Here’s a quick overview of the most common STDs:

• Chlamydia: The most reported STD, especially among young women. Often symptom-free but can cause serious reproductive problems if untreated.

• Gonorrhea: A bacterial infection affecting different body parts. Many have no symptoms but it can lead to infertility if not treated.

• Syphilis: A bacterial infection with stages. Early detection and treatment are vital to avoid serious health issues.

• Human Papillomavirus (HPV): A very common virus with many types. Some cause genital warts, others can lead to certain cancers.

• Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV): Causes oral and genital herpes. The virus stays in the body and can cause recurring outbreaks.

• Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV): Attacks the immune system and can cause AIDS if untreated. Early diagnosis and care help people live long, healthy lives.

How Much Is STD Testing?

STD testing costs can range from free to several hundred dollars, depending on where you go and which tests you need.

Many clinics, including Adira Clinic, offer free testing and treatment for chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis—especially for women facing an unplanned pregnancy.

In other places, costs depend on insurance, how many tests you get, and if extra services like counseling are included. Getting tested is important because many STDs don’t show symptoms but can still cause serious health problems if left untreated.

How Can I Prevent STDs?

Testing before sex helps lower your risk of getting an STD, but it can’t guarantee complete protection.

Even the best tests have “window periods” — times when someone might be newly infected but still test negative. Some infections, like herpes and HPV, are harder to detect without special tests.

While condoms and washing after sex offer some protection, they don’t fully prevent many STDs, especially those spread by skin-to-skin contact.

Testing is important and responsible, but the only way to completely avoid STDs is through abstinence or a lifelong, faithful relationship with an uninfected partner.

Can You Cure an STD without Going to the Doctor?

No, you cannot safely cure an STD without seeing a doctor.

Some STDs, like chlamydia and gonorrhea, require prescription medicine to fully clear the infection. Without proper treatment, these can lead to serious health problems. Other STDs, like herpes or HIV, can’t be cured but can be managed with medical care. Home remedies or online treatments aren’t reliable and might make things worse by delaying the right care. Seeing a doctor is the safest way to protect your health and future.

How are Venereal Diseases Transmitted?

Venereal diseases, also called sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), spread from one person to another through sexual contact.

This includes vaginal, oral, and anal sex, and sometimes close skin-to-skin contact. Some STDs, like HIV and syphilis, can also be passed through blood, shared needles, or from a mother to her baby during birth. Many infections spread even without any signs or symptoms, which is why testing and prevention are so important.

Can You Get an STD From Oral Sex?

Yes, you can get an STD from oral sex.

Infections like herpes, gonorrhea, syphilis, chlamydia, HPV, and even HIV can spread through oral contact with the genitals or anus. Someone can pass on an infection even without visible symptoms. Using protection like condoms or dental dams lowers the risk but doesn’t eliminate it completely. That’s why it’s important to be careful and get tested regularly if you’re sexually active.

Can You Get an STD from Kissing?

Yes, some STDs can be passed through kissing, but it’s less common.

Herpes (HSV-1) is the most likely to spread this way, especially if someone has cold sores. Other infections like syphilis can also pass through open sores in the mouth, but that’s rare. Most STDs spread through sexual contact, not just kissing, but it’s possible if there are cuts, sores, or infections in the mouth.

Can You Catch an STD from a Toilet Seat?

No, you cannot catch an STD from a toilet seat.

STDs spread through direct sexual contact, not by touching objects like toilet seats. The germs that cause STDs don’t survive long on surfaces outside the body. While good hygiene is important, there’s no need to worry about catching an STD from a toilet seat.

Is Bacterial Vaginosis an STD?

No, bacterial vaginosis (BV) is not an STD, but it is related to sexual activity.

BV happens when the natural balance of bacteria in the vagina gets disturbed, which can be influenced by new or multiple sexual partners. However, you can get BV even without having sex. While BV itself isn’t an STD, it can increase the chance of getting other infections. That’s why it’s important to get checked and treated if needed.

Is Herpes 1 an STD?

Herpes type 1 (HSV-1) isn’t usually classified as an STD, but it can spread through sexual contact.

HSV-1 most commonly causes cold sores around the mouth and is often passed through kissing or sharing personal items. However, it can also spread to the genitals through oral sex, where it behaves like a sexually transmitted infection. Many people have HSV-1 without knowing because symptoms can be mild or invisible.

Is HPV an STD?

Yes, HPV (human papillomavirus) is a very common STD.

It spreads through skin-to-skin contact during vaginal, oral, and anal sex. Most people with HPV don’t know they have it because it usually causes no symptoms. Some types of HPV can lead to health issues like genital warts or certain cancers if left untreated. Vaccines are available to protect against the most harmful types of HPV.

What is "The Clap"?

“The Clap” is a slang term for gonorrhea, a common sexually transmitted disease (STD).

Gonorrhea is caused by bacteria and can infect the reproductive organs, throat, rectum, and eyes. It often causes painful urination and unusual discharge, but some people have no symptoms. Without treatment, gonorrhea can lead to serious health issues like infertility. It can usually be cured with antibiotics if caught early.

What Do "Crabs" Look Like?

“Crabs” are tiny lice that live in pubic hair and look like small gray or brown insects about the size of a pinhead.

Also called pubic lice, they can sometimes be seen moving in the hair or attached to the skin. Their bites cause itching, redness, and small blue spots where they feed. Crabs spread through close physical contact, including sex, and can be treated with special shampoos or lotions.