Sexually Transmitted Disease

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are STDs? How are they transmitted?
  • STDs are Sexually Transmitted Diseases.
  • Any sexually active person can be infected with an STD.
  • STDs are transmitted from an infected person to another person by oral, anal, or vaginal sex
  • Usually the person doesn’t know he/she is infected

Who can I contact to find out about the signs and symptoms of a particular STD such as syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia?
Call the Georgia AIDS/STD Hotline at 1-800-551-2728, CDC-INFO at 1-800-232-4636, or the American Social Health Association at 1-800-227-8922.

Some common links are listed below.

Where can I go if I suspect someone or myself is infected with an STD?
Contact your local health department.

Who can I contact if I have questions about tests or treatments for a particular STD?
Call the Georgia AIDS/STD Hotline at 1-800-551-2728, CDC-INFO at 1-800-232-4636, or the American Social Health Association at 1-800-227-8922.

What are the signs and symptoms of an STD?
Commonly, STDs do not produce any signs or symptoms for months or at all, or the symptoms may not be noticeable. Some common signs and symptoms are:
  • Unusual discharge from the penis or vagina
  • Pain in the pelvic area (below the stomach)
  • Burning or itching in or around the penis or vagina
  • Pain during urination
  • Pain during sexual intercourse
  • Frequent urination
  • Sores, bumps or blisters around the genitals, rectum or mouth

If you have any of these signs or symptoms, seek testing and treatment. Most STDs are easily diagnosed and treated; yet many people infected with them do not have any symptoms, thus remaining at risk for complications if they are not treated. Complications may be serious enough to cause death. STDs do not go away on their own.

What are some common complications of STDs?
  • Chlamydia and gonorrhea cause infertility and may cause loss of pregnancies
  • Syphilis may cause loss of pregnancy
  • Genital herpes is associated with cervical cancer
  • Both herpes and syphilis infections may allow for HIV to be transmitted more easily

Who should get tested?
  • Persons who have been sexually active (oral, vaginal or anal)
  • Persons who develop symptoms
  • Persons whose partner has an STD or symptoms of an STD

How can STDs be prevented?
  • Abstinence is the only fully effective method
  • Limit sex to a partner you’ve known (be monogamous)
  • Have a conversation with your sex partners and get tested
  • Latex male condoms used correctly and every time reduce the risk of STDs (Birth Control Pills don’t prevent STDs)
  • Have conversations within the family about prevention and abstinence

How do I...

Report a notifiable disease?
Visit the State Electronic Notifiable Disease Surveillance System at http://sendss.state.ga.us/

Find out about the latest STD surveillance for my district or county?
Contact the Georgia Department of Public Health STD/EPI Surveillance Unit by email at stdepi@dhr.state.ga.us or by phone at 404-657-9628. Additional information can be requested by calling the Georgia AIDS/STD Hotline at 1-800-551-2728

Find the nearest doctor or clinic in my town?
Call the Georgia AIDS/STD Hotline at 1-800-551-2728, CDC-INFO at 1-800-232-4636, or the American Social Health Association at 1-800-227-8922.