• Overview
  • Signs & Symptoms
  • Diagnosis
  • Treatment
    • Recommended reading
    • Seeking care at UCSF Health
  • Resources & Support
    • Conditions we treat
    • Research from trusted partners
    • Support services at UCSF Health
Overview
Obstetrics & Gynecology

Sexually Transmitted Diseases

There are numerous sexually transmitted diseases, or STDs, and the consequences of leaving them untreated can be very serious. Treatments may include antibiotic or antiviral medication.

Common Types of STDs

  • Chlamydia trachomatisThe most common sexually transmitted disease in the United States, chlamydia is caused by bacteria and results in a genital infection. It must be treated with antibiotics, otherwise it can spread to other pelvic organs and lead to chronic pelvic pain and infertility. Your sexual partner will need to be treated also.
  • Herpes genitalisAnother common STD, genital herpes is a viral infection that doesn't lead to chronic pelvic pain or infertility, but can cause very painful and disturbing genital blisters. Antiviral medications can be prescribed that will reduce discomfort. There is no cure for the infection itself, although it may be dormant indefinitely.
  • Venereal or genital wartsAlso called condyloma accuminata, genital warts are caused by a virus and can result in abnormal pap smears. Creams and some other medicines can make the warty tissue disappear, but the warts may recur.
  • GonorrheaGonorrhea is caused by bacteria and can be treated with an antibiotic. Both partners need to be treated. Women often don't have symptoms, but vaginal discharge or painful urination may occur. Men are more likely to have discharge and painful urination. Untreated, gonorrhea can spread to other parts of the body and cause serious complications.
  • TrichomonasThis infection can cause foul discharge and extreme itching. Both partners need to be treated with antibiotics.
  • SyphilisSyphilis isn't as common as the above diseases but can have very serious consequences for women and their babies. It is caused by bacteria and can be treated by antibiotics. Both the woman and her partner need to be treated.
  • HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis BThese are viral infections that can be transmitted sexually, from mother to baby during birth, or through infected blood. There are presently no cures for these diseases, but they can be managed with antivirals and other medicines.

    Hepatitis B is a serious liver disease. Vaccine is available to prevent contracting Hepatitis B. HIV/AIDS can destroy the natural immune system, leaving the patient vulnerable to a number of different conditions.

Our Approach to Sexually Transmitted Diseases

UCSF offers personalized, sensitive care for all sexually transmitted diseases. Our mission is to provide every woman who comes to us with the highest quality care and the information she needs to make informed decisions about her health. We encourage each patient to participate in choosing the treatment option that's best for her.

Learn more about Obstetrics and Gynecology

UCSF Health medical specialists have reviewed this information. It is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace the advice of your doctor or other health care provider. We encourage you to discuss any questions or concerns you may have with your provider.

  • Overview
  • Signs & Symptoms
  • Diagnosis
  • Treatment
    • Recommended reading
    • Seeking care at UCSF Health
  • Resources & Support
    • Conditions we treat
    • Research from trusted partners
    • Support services at UCSF Health
Signs & Symptoms Obstetrics & Gynecology

Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Signs and Symptoms

Symptoms differ depending on the type of STD:

  • Chlamydia and gonorrhea Can cause vaginal discharge, painful urination or pelvic pain. Some patients have no symptoms at all.
  • Herpes Causes painful, tender blisters on the vaginal or perineal skin. Often the woman will also experience flu-like feelings or a headache, or swollen glands.
  • Genital warts Often cause itchy or non-itchy bumps on the vaginal or perineal skin. The woman may feel the warts while bathing.
  • Trichomonas Usually causes an itchy, foul discharge.
  • Syphilis Can cause a painless ulcer, but often there are no obvious symptoms.
  • HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis B Can cause many non-specific symptoms, such as fatigue and abdominal discomfort.

UCSF Health medical specialists have reviewed this information. It is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace the advice of your doctor or other health care provider. We encourage you to discuss any questions or concerns you may have with your provider.

  • Overview
  • Signs & Symptoms
  • Diagnosis
  • Treatment
    • Recommended reading
    • Seeking care at UCSF Health
  • Resources & Support
    • Conditions we treat
    • Research from trusted partners
    • Support services at UCSF Health
Diagnosis Obstetrics & Gynecology

Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Diagnosis

If you're concerned that you may have contracted or been exposed to an STD, you will need an examination. We will examine the vagina, cervix and pelvic organs and use swabs to take cell samples to determine if an STD is present. Several tests may be necessary, as many of the STDs can occur at the same time.

Results may take several days, but treatment can often be started at the first visit.

UCSF Health medical specialists have reviewed this information. It is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace the advice of your doctor or other health care provider. We encourage you to discuss any questions or concerns you may have with your provider.

  • Overview
  • Signs & Symptoms
  • Diagnosis
  • Treatment
    • Recommended reading
    • Seeking care at UCSF Health
  • Resources & Support
    • Conditions we treat
    • Research from trusted partners
    • Support services at UCSF Health
Treatment Obstetrics & Gynecology

Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Treatments

  • Antibiotic and antiviral medications can be given to treat gonorrhea, chlamydia, herpes, syphilis and trichomonas.
  • Genital warts can be treated in the gynecologist's office or at home.
  • HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis B will require referral to specialists for evaluation.

UCSF Health medical specialists have reviewed this information. It is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace the advice of your doctor or other health care provider. We encourage you to discuss any questions or concerns you may have with your provider.

Recommended reading

FAQ: HIV Testing

Commonly asked questions regarding HIV Testing including, why, when and where you should be tested and what to do if your test returns positive for HIV.

HIV and Pregnancy

If you are pregnant, we recommend you be tested for the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) even if you do not think you are at risk. Learn more here.

Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) to Prevent HIV Transmission

Commonly asked questions regarding Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) to Prevent HIV Transmission including, frequency, side effects, prescriptions and more.

Seeking care at UCSF Health

Expand Map

    • Overview
    • Signs & Symptoms
    • Diagnosis
    • Treatment
      • Recommended reading
      • Seeking care at UCSF Health
    • Resources & Support
      • Conditions we treat
      • Research from trusted partners
      • Support services at UCSF Health
    Resources & Support Obstetrics & Gynecology

    Sexually Transmitted Diseases
    Resources & Support

    At UCSF Health, we are renowned for our highly specialized and cutting-edge medical care. Along with innovative medicine, we strive to provide a variety of services to ensure that patients and families are fully supported while in our care. UCSF has a team of experienced social workers and condition-specific support groups as well as classes to help patients and families navigate their experiences while in our clinics and hospitals.

    Our support services also include unique programs to help heal the mind and spirit, such as Art for Recovery, Healing Through Dance and complimentary spa treatments during infusion therapy. During an unfamiliar and stressful time, UCSF’s support services are ready to lend a hand whenever patients and families need it most.

    Conditions we treat

    Pelvic pain

    Learn more

    Additional conditions

    • Abnormal pap smears

    • AIDS

    • HIV

    Research from trusted partners

    • Planned Parenthood Golden Gate

    Support services at UCSF Health

    Patient Resource

    Case Management and Social Work

    Connect with a team that can help you find resources, solve problems and advocate for you during treatment at UCSF.

    Patient Resource

    Interpreters

    UCSF offers language services at no charge for patients with limited English, as well as for patients who are deaf or have trouble hearing.

    Class

    Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Class

    This eight-week UCSF class teaches mindfulness practices, such as meditation and body awareness, that can reduce stress and improve your overall health.

    Patient Resource

    Patient Relations

    We welcome feedback about your experience at UCSF Health. Find out how to contact us with comments, questions or concerns.

    Patient Resource

    Spiritual Care Services

    Chaplains representing many faiths are available around the clock to provide support, comfort and counsel to patients, families and caregivers. Learn more.

    Patient Resource

    Women's Health Resource Center

    Access a range of UCSF women's health resources, such as classes, support groups, a lending library and services focused on pregnancy, birth and breastfeeding.