Minority Women's Health

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Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)

Minority Women's Health > Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders and Native Hawaiians > Health Topics > Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)

Over 25 diseases are spread through sex. Overall, Asian Americans tend to have lower STD rates than other groups. But, like some other groups, there was an increase in the number of cases of syphilis in Asian Americans between 2000 and 2004.

STDs are more easily passed from men to women. And many STDs have no symptoms. If you're having sex, get tested for STDs.

Publications

1.   Fact Sheet — Chlamydia — This publication provides information on chlamydia infection, including its symptoms, how it is spread, how it is treated, and how to avoid contracting this STI.

   http://www.womenshealth.gov/faq/chlamydia.cfm

2.   Fact Sheet — Genital Herpes — This fact sheet provides information on genital herpes, its symptoms, ways to reduce future outbreaks, and the complications that it might cause.

   http://www.womenshealth.gov/faq/genital-herpes.cfm

3.   Fact Sheet — Gonorrhea — This fact sheet provides information on gonorrhea, the symptoms of this STI, treatment options, and how to avoid getting this infection.

   http://www.womenshealth.gov/faq/gonorrhea.cfm

4.   Fact Sheet — Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and Genital Warts — This publication provides information on human papillomavirus (HPV) and genital warts. It includes modes of transmission, treatments, and ways of prevention.

   http://www.womenshealth.gov/faq/human-papillomavirus.cfm

5.   Fact Sheet — Sexually Transmitted Infections: Overview — This fact sheet explains in clear language what a sexually transmitted infection (STI) is and why STIs are especially harmful to women. It lists common STIs and their symptoms, describes the process of testing for STIs, and explains how women can protect themselves from getting an STI. This fact sheet also provides a list of resources that offer more information on STIs.

   http://www.womenshealth.gov/faq/sexually-transmitted-infections.cfm

6.   Fact Sheet — Syphilis — This fact sheet explains what syphilis is, how it is spread, and how best to avoid infection. It describes symptoms of syphilis and how it is diagnosed and treated. This publication also lists sources to contact for more information on syphilis.

   http://www.womenshealth.gov/faq/syphilis.cfm

7.   Genital Herpes — This fact sheet describes the symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, possible complications, prevention, and current research on genital herpes. Other topics covered include re-occurrence and its role in the spread of HIV infection.

   http://www3.niaid.nih.gov/healthscience/healthtopics/genital_herpes/default.htm

8.   Sexually Transmitted Diseases: Tutorial — This online tutorial gives information to the general public about sexually transmitted diseases.

   http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/tutorials/sexuallytransmitteddiseases/htm/index.htm...

9.   STDs and Pregnancy — This online fact sheet answers common questions that a pregnant woman may have about sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Some topics that are discussed are becoming infected with an STD, STD trends in pregnant women, and treatments for STDs in pregnant women.

   http://www.cdc.gov/std/STDFact-STDs&Pregnancy.htm

10.   STDs Today — This online publication provides a detailed review of important sexually transmitted infections affecting people in the United States. For each disease, this publication provides an overview of key issues, risk groups, and basic statistics.

    http://www.cdcnpin.org/scripts/std/std.asp

11.   Syphilis — This fact sheet briefly describes the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of syphilis. The effects of the disease in pregnant women are also discussed.

    http://www3.niaid.nih.gov/healthscience/healthtopics/syphilis/default.htm

12. Asian American and Pacific Islander Women's Health: Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI's) (Copyright © University of Michigan) — This fact sheet provides information on sexually transmitted infections and how they impact the Asian-American and Pacific Islander community.

    http://www.sph.umich.edu/apihealth/2005/sti2.html

13. STIs: Learn How to Protect Yourself (Copyright © American Academy of Family Physicians) — This online publication provides information on how to protect yourself from getting a sexually transmitted infection.

    http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/children/teens/sexuality/275.html

14.   Teen Sexual Activity, Pregnancy, and Childbearing Among Asians and Pacific Islanders in the United States (Copyright © The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy) — This publication provides statistics related to teen pregnancy and childbearing rates among Asians and Pacific Islanders. It also discusses their rates of contraceptive use.

    http://www.thenationalcampaign.org/resources/pdf/AsianPacIs_2007.pdf

Organizations

1.   National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, NIH, HHS
2.   National Prevention Information Network, CDC, HHS
3.   Office of Minority Health, OPHS, OS, HHS
4. American Social Health Association
5. National Asian Women's Health Organization

= Indicates Federal Resources

Resources reviewed March 2008.