Home Guides STD Basics Guides

STD Basics Guides

New to sexual health? Start here. These guides cover the fundamentals — what STDs are, how they differ from one another, common myths, and the vocabulary you will see throughout the rest of the site.

21 Guides Sources Cited Evidence-Based
4,500+ Lab Locations Nationwide 10-Test Panel Available Same-Day Appointments 100% Confidential

Are Cold Sores an STD? Oral Herpes Facts

Cold sores are oral herpes (usually HSV-1). Technically a herpes infection, they spread by kissing more than sex. What counts as an STD here.

Read Guide

HIV vs AIDS: Are They the Same Thing?

HIV is the virus; AIDS is late-stage disease after immune collapse. Learn the stages, diagnosis criteria, and why treatment prevents progression.

Read Guide

How Common Are STDs? Prevalence Statistics

STDs are extremely common: 1 in 5 Americans has an STI at any given time. Full prevalence breakdown by infection, age, gender, and why rates keep rising.

Read Guide

How Many STDs Are There? Full List of 30+

More than 30 pathogens spread through sex. See the complete list grouped by bacteria, viruses, and parasites — plus which tests cover what.

Read Guide

Is BV an STD? Bacterial Vaginosis Facts

BV isn't technically an STD — it's a vaginal bacteria imbalance. But sex raises recurrence risk. Learn causes, symptoms, and treatment.

Read Guide

Is Chlamydia an STD? Bacterial Infection Basics

Yes — chlamydia is the most reported bacterial STD in the U.S. It's bacterial (not viral), curable, and often silent. Testing explained.

Read Guide

Is HIV an STD? Transmission & Testing Basics

Yes, HIV is a sexually transmitted infection that attacks immune cells. Learn how it spreads, modern prevention like PrEP, and testing options.

Read Guide

Is HPV an STD? Human Papillomavirus Explained

Yes — HPV is the most common STD in America. Nearly everyone gets it. Learn transmission, cancer risks, testing limits, and vaccines.

Read Guide

Is Hepatitis an STD? Hep A, B & C Compared

Some hepatitis viruses spread through sex — hepatitis B strongly, C rarely, A occasionally. Compare routes, vaccines, and which tests to get.

Read Guide

Is Herpes an STD? HSV-1 vs HSV-2 Facts

Genital herpes is a common STD spread by skin-to-skin contact. Learn HSV-1 vs HSV-2, silent carriage, testing windows, and management.

Read Guide

Is Mono an STD? The Epstein-Barr Question

Mono isn't classically an STD, but EBV spreads through saliva — including deep kissing. Where 'kissing disease' fits in sexual health.

Read Guide

Is Scabies an STD? Mites, Skin Contact & Testing

Scabies mites spread through prolonged skin contact — sometimes sexual, often not. Learn when scabies overlaps with STI care and how it's treated.

Read Guide

Is Syphilis an STD? Signs, Stages & Rising Cases

Yes — syphilis is a serious bacterial STD rising sharply in the U.S. Learn its staged progression, painless sore hallmark, and cure options.

Read Guide

Is Trichomoniasis an STD? The Common Curable Parasite

Yes — trichomoniasis ('trich') is the most common curable STD, caused by a parasite. Often symptomless but easily tested and treated.

Read Guide

Is Ureaplasma an STD? The Controversial Bacterium

Ureaplasma lives normally in many healthy people but may cause urethritis and complications. What current evidence says about testing and treatment.

Read Guide

Is a UTI an STD? Urinary Infection vs STI

UTIs aren't STDs — they're bladder infections from gut bacteria. But STIs mimic UTIs closely. How to tell them apart and test correctly.

Read Guide

Is a Yeast Infection an STD? Candida Facts

Yeast infections aren't STDs — Candida overgrowth causes them. Learn why sex can trigger them, when partners need treatment, and look-alike STIs.

Read Guide

STI vs STD: What's the Actual Difference?

STI stands for sexually transmitted infection; STD for sexually transmitted disease. Here's why doctors switched terms and when each applies.

Read Guide

What Is STBBI? Meaning of the Term Explained

STBBI means sexually transmitted and blood-borne infection. Learn why Canada uses this term, which infections count, and how testing works.

Read Guide

What Is Venereal Disease? The Old Name for STDs

Venereal disease (VD) is the historical term for today's STDs and STIs. Learn its origin, what it covered, and which modern names replaced it.

Read Guide

What Is an STD? Sexually Transmitted Disease Basics

An STD (sexually transmitted disease) is an infection passed through sexual contact. Learn the types, symptoms, and how testing works.

Read Guide
← All guide categories
Find a Lab Near Me

Not Sure Which Test You Need?

A comprehensive 10-test panel covers chlamydia, gonorrhea, HIV, syphilis, hepatitis, herpes, and more — all in one visit.

Order a 10-Test Panel