Infectious Disease Center				November 19, 2004
	More In This Center Get the Basics From bacteria to parasites: Understanding infections How infectious disease spreads Evaluating your risk: How likely are you to catch an infectious disease? Clean your hands: A simple way to prevent infection Are there more infectious diseases now than ever before? Editor's note Explore Infections Cold and flu Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) Biological warfare Hepatitis Common infectious diseases Take Control Vaccine protection Childhood immunizations Adult immunizations Immunizations for special populations Reducing your risk of infection MORE ON THIS TOPIC Articles Genital warts Chlamydia Gonorrhea Ask a Specialist Human papillomavirus (HPV): How does it cause cervical cancer? More Information		STD quiz: Are you taking proper preventive steps? By Mayo Clinic staff Doctors have identified more than 20 sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Although they can't all be cured, they can be prevented. Test your knowledge about sexual safety. 1) The rate of STDs in the United States is on the rise.    True    False 2) Condoms — so long as they're still wrapped — will stay effective even if carried around for months at a time in your wallet.    True    False 3) Animal skin (lambskin) condoms protect against pregnancy but don't protect you from STDs, such as HIV/AIDS.    True    False 4) You should lubricate condoms with petroleum jelly or baby oil to reduce their risk of tearing.    True    False 5) When condoms fail, it's usually because of incorrect use.    True    False 6) If you have a history of genital herpes, you can infect your partner even when you don't have symptoms of the disease.    True    False 7) Having regular Pap tests will prevent cervical cancer.    True    False 8) You can't get an STD from oral sex.    True    False 9) Taking birth control pills eliminates your need for a condom.    True    False 10) STDs aren't life-threatening.    True    False June 14, 2004 QZ00037 © 1998-2004 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). All rights reserved.  A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.com," "Mayo Clinic Health Information," "Reliable information for a healthier life" and the triple-shield Mayo logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research.		Advertising and sponsorship policy
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