How are STDs spread?

STDs are spread through sexual contact (without a condom) with someone who has an STD. Sexual contact includes oral, anal, and vaginal sex, as well as genital skin-to-skin contact. While condoms are effective, HPV and HSV can be spread by contact with the area around the genitals not protected by the condom.

Some STDs—like HIV, chlamydia and gonorrhea—are spread through body fluids, such as semen (cum). Other STDs, including HIV and Hepatitis B, are also spread through blood. Genital herpes, syphilis, and HPV are most often spread through genital skin-to-skin contact.

What are the signs and symptoms of STDs?

Most STDs have no signs or symptoms, so you (or your partner) could be infected and not know it.

The only way to know your STD status is to get tested (Search for a clinic near you).

Having an STD such as herpes makes it easier to get HIV.

When should I be tested?

All sexually active gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men should be tested regularly for STDs. The only way to know your STD status is to get tested (you can search for a testing site). Having an STD (like gonorrhea) makes it easier to get HIV or give it to others, so it’s important that you get tested to protect your health and the health of your partner. CDC recommends sexually active gay and bisexual men test for

HIV (at least once a year);

Syphilis;

Hepatitis B;

Hepatitis C if you were born between 1945 to 1965 or with risk behaviors (see “how is hepatitis C spread“);

Chlamydia and gonorrhea of the rectum if you’ve had receptive anal sex or been a “bottom” in the past year;

Chlamydia and gonorrhea of the penis (urethra) if you have had insertive anal sex (been on the “top”) or received oral sex in the past year; and

Gonorrhea of the throat if you’ve given oral sex (your mouth on your partner’s penis, vagina, or anus) in the past year.

Sometimes your doctor or health care provider may suggest a herpes blood test. If you have more than one partner or have had casual sex with people you don’t know, you should be screened more often for STDs and may benefit from getting tested for HIV more often (for example, every 3 to 6 months). Your doctor can offer you the best care if you discuss your sexual history openly. Talk with your doctor about getting vaccinations for Hepatitis A and B, and HPV.

You should have a doctor or provider you are comfortable with. CDC’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Health Services page has resources that can help you find health services that are skilled in working with gay and bisexual men. Also, HIV Treatment Works resources have information about how to get in care and stay on treatment, as well as resources on how to live well.