Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)

Sexually transmitted diseases, or STDs, also referred to as sexually transmitted infections or STIs, do not refer to any one disease but include more than 25 infectious organisms that are transmitted through sexual activity and the dozens of clinical syndromes that they cause. Examples of the common STDs include:

STDs are almost always spread from person to person by sexual intercourse, most commonly by anal or vaginal intercourse but also through oral sex. Some STDs, such as hepatitis B or HIV infection, are also transmitted through blood-to-blood contact, through the sharing of needles or equipment to inject drugs, body pierce or tattoo. Pregnant women with STDs may pass their infections to infants during pregnancy or birth or through breast feeding.

For more information on symptoms of STDs, how they are spread, how they are treated, how they can be prevented and how many STD cases have occurred in Minnesota, see below:

STD Hot Topics
STD Statistics and Reports
Getting Tested for STDs
Reporting a Case of an STD
Information for Providers
External Links

• STD Facts: Individual fact sheets for each STD
  MDH set of STD fact sheets: signs and symptoms, transmission, complications, prevention and treatment for specific STDs. (Download PDF versions below, formatted for print)
  
  • English (PDF: 440 KB/18 pages)
  • Spanish (PDF: 44 KB/15 pages)
    
  • Amharic (PDF: 907 KB/11 pages)
    
  • Oromo (PDF: 46 KB/12 pages)
    
  • Somali (PDF: 47 KB/15 pages)
    
    
• STD Facts: STD Summary
  STD fact sheets from MDH summarizing signs and symptoms, transmission, complications, prevention and treatment for STDs. Download PDF versions below, formatted for print:
  • English (PDF: 4KB/1 page)
• Spanish (PDF: 4KB/1 page)
• Amharic (PDF: 65KB/1 page)
• Oromo (PDF: 6KB/1 page)
• Somali (PDF: 4KB/1 page)
  
  
• Hepatitis Information
  Link to a variety of MDH fact sheets, statistical reports and information about Hepatitis A, B and C.
  
  
• Viral Hepatitis Needs Assessment and Five Year Plan
  A vision and a framework for the direction that MDH should take in the future to appropriately address viral hepatitis in Minnesota.
  
  
• Programs to Prevent and Reduce the Risks of Sexually Transmitted Infections and Diseases: Minnesota Statute § 121A.23 for STD/HIV Education in Schools
  Statute requiring HIV and STD education to be provided in the classroom within Minnesota’s school districts.
  
  
• Frequently Asked Questions about STD Reporting
  MDH fact sheet on STD reporting
  
  
• Important Information for You and Your Partner
  This brochure is designed to help those infected with chlamydia and/or gonorrhea to notify their sexual partners about their potential exposure. The brochure may be downloaded for duplication purposes.
  
  
• STD/HIV Partner Services Program
  A brochure designed for health providers, information is provided about the program that assists HIV or STD infected persons notify their partners about their potential exposure. The brochure may be downloaded for duplication purposes.
  
  
• Adolescent Health: Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Section
  MDH site providing quick and easy access to current information and resources about teen health.
  
  
• STD and HIV Resources in Spanish
  Recursos De Enfermedades De Transmision Sexual (ETS)
  Attention: Non-MDH link
  STD information in Spanish is now available on CDC's web site, including translations of fact sheets, the STD hotline in Spanish, and Spanish STD links.
  

About the STD and HIV Section

The mission of the STD and HIV Section is to prevent death and disability from HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases, particularly among populations with a disproportionate burden of disease.

The section will provide statewide leadership and support community leadership to prevent initial and subsequent transmission and decrease disease prevalence.

This mission is addressed through a statewide comprehensive approach which includes the public health strategies of targeted behavioral interventions; surveillance and monitoring and early detection; treatment and referral.

Content Notice: This site contains HIV or STD prevention messages that may not be appropriate for all audiences. Since HIV and other STDs are spread primarily through sexual practices or by sharing needles, prevention messages and programs may address these topics. If you are not seeking such information or may be offended by such materials, please exit this web site.

If you have questions or comments about this page, use our IDEPC Comment Form or call 651-201-5414 (TTY: 651-201-5797) for the MDH Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Prevention and Control Division.