There are three different kinds of sexually transmitted diseases: bacterial, viral, and parasitic.

• Bacterial infections are caused by a germ or bacteria. They include chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis. These can be cured by taking antibiotics.
  
• Viral infections are carried in a person's body and can't be cured by medicine. They include herpes, HPV, Hepatitis B and C, and HIV. The symptoms--sores, warts, or other health problems--can be treated, but the virus may stay with the person for life, and can be passed to partners.
  
• Parasitic infections are tiny bugs that live in the pubic hair and genital area. They include scabies and pubic lice ("crabs"). They can be spread during sexual contact and from sharing bath towels, bedding, and clothing. Scabies and lice are generally eliminated with prescription soap.

You can get tested for STDs by going to a clinic, or going to your private doctor.

For more information, log on to iwannaknow.org.

Got a question about STDs? Call the CDC's national hotline at 1-800-227-8922, open 24/7.