Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are mainly transmitted through unsafe sexual intercourse. In addition, transmission can occur via blood exposure (such as intramuscular or intravenous injection) and placenta (mother-to-child transmission). In very rare cases, indirect transmission may happen through close daily contact.

Eight types of STDs are under special standardized management in China: Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS), syphilis, gonorrhea, chancroid, lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV), nongonococcal urethritis, condyloma acuminatum, and genital herpes.

STDs vary widely in incubation periods and severity, and many early symptoms are easy to overlook. Therefore, anyone with a history of unsafe sexual contact and discomfort in the genital area should seek medical treatment promptly at official STD prevention and monitoring institutions, and avoid delaying medical consultation out of embarrassment.