Over 25 diseases are spread by sexual activity. Some STDs seem to affect certain groups more than others. Overall, African Americans have higher rates of STDs than Whites for chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, herpes, and hepatitis B. While no method is 100% protective against STDs, there are ways that help prevent getting STDs. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offer this advice:

* Do not have sex.
* If you have sex, use latex condoms.
* Being in a long-term relationship with one person who has been tested for STDs and does not have any STDs lowers your risk.

Publications

1. An Introduction to Sexually Transmitted Diseases - This fact sheet provides in layman's terms, an overview of sexually transmitted diseases, their causes, and current research and prevention measures. It specifically mentions and discusses AIDS, chlamydial infections, genital herpes, genital warts, gonorrhea and syphilis.

2. Chlamydial Infection - This fact sheet briefly describes, in layman's terms, the symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, possible complications, prevention and current research on chlamydial infections. Other topics covered include effects on pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and effects on newborns.

3. Genital Herpes - This fact sheet briefly describes, in layman's terms, the symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, possible complications, prevention and current research on genital herpes. Other topics covered include re-occurrence and effects on the transmission of HIV/AIDS.

4. Gonorrhea - This fact sheet briefly describes gonorrhea with information on prevention, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, what can happen if it goes untreated, and complications for pregnant women and newborns.

5. Human Papillomavirus and Genital Warts - This fact sheet briefly describes, in layman's terms, the symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, possible complications, and prevention of human Papillomavirus and genital warts.

6. STDs Today - This on-line publication provides a detailed review of important STD infections affecting people in the United States. For each disease, this publication provides an overview of key issues, risk groups, and basic statistics.

7. Syphilis - This fact sheet briefly describes, in layman's terms, the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of syphilis. Effects of the disease in pregnant women is also discussed.

8. What I Need to Know About Hepatitis B - This easy-to-read publication provides an introduction to the risk factors, symptoms, and treatments for hepatitis B. Hepatitis B is a liver disease.

Organizations

1. CDC National Prevention Information Network

2. CDC National STD Hotline, DSTDP, NCHSTP, CDC, OPHS, HHS

3. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, NIH, HHS