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Reference Terms
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Sexually transmitted disease

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) also known as sexually transmissible diseases, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or (infrequently) venereal diseases (VD), are diseases or infections that have a significant probability of transmission between humans by means of sexual contact. Depending on the STD, a person may or may not still be able to spread the infection if no signs of disease are present. For example, a person is much more likely to spread herpes infection when blisters are present (STD) than when they are absent (STI). However, a person can spread HIV infection (STI) at any time, even if he/she has not developed symptoms of AIDS (STD).

All sexual behaviors that involve contact with another person or the bodily fluids of another person should be considered to contain some risk of transmission of sexually transmitted diseases.

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October 18, 2026

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