Millions of Americans are infected with sexually transmitted diseases, and 19 million new infections occur each year. Safer sex practices can help to cut down on your risk, but even with condoms and dental dams, it is still possible to contract an STD.
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When it comes to STD testing, timing matters

This week, a patient asked about STD testing. He said he'd been with one new partner since I last saw him for testing...but in between his three sexual encounters with that one partner, he believes that person had been with other partners. He also told me that he met his partner online, and that they used condoms "most of the time." What's his risk for a sexually transmitted infection?
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If you're sexually active, know the basics about gonorrhea

by Su McFay, RN It's been called the "clap" or the "drip"...or by its more technical term, "GC." Whatever you call it, it's gonorrhea. Gonorrhea is a common and contagious sexually transmitted disease caused by the Neisseria gonorrhoeae bacteria that is transmitted through unprotected vaginal, anal or oral sex. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate that more than 120 out of every 100,000 people are infected with gonorrhea.
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