Sexually Transmitted Diseases Anyone who has had sexual
contact—vaginal, oral, or anal—is at risk for a sexually
transmitted disease, an STD. STDs often go undiagnosed, as some
have virtually no symptoms until they reach an advanced stage.
You owe it to yourself to learn how to protect yourself and to
be aware of the symptoms. For detailed, reliable information,
visit the Mayo Clinic website In general, STDs are caused by
viral or bacterial infections. They are highly contagious and
can cause other serious health problems. For example, untreated,
gonorrhea and chlamydia in women can cause PID, a condition that
can lead to infertility. These infections can also significantly
increase your risk of acquiring other STDs such as HIV.
Screening for STDs is typically done by taking a sample of
tissue from the cervix using a swab, or through a urine or blood
test. Click here to make an appointment to talk to your doctor
about your personal situation and to discuss your testing and
treatment options. Vaccines for Prev