There are more than 30 different organisms that cause infection and disease when transmitted by venereal contact. Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) represent 87 percent of all reported infections.This encyclopedia offers entries on such topics as diseases, treatments, statistics, care centers and departments, risk factors, prevention issues, legal issues, associations and organizations, procedures, and relevant historical and political information. Entries on sexually transmitted diseases include history, causes and origins, risk factors, precautions, incidence, symptoms, special problems relating to gender, race, or poverty level, diagnosis, descriptions of diagnostic tests, defining illnesses and related disorders, treatment (drug regimens, therapies, side effects, and alternative medicine), and considerations in pregnancy.The work concludes with a wide selection of resources including books, journals, support groups, Hotlines, organizations, and Internet sites, as well as resources for low cost prescription drug programs, social security disability, and health insurance. Clinical trials, laboratory tests, and HIV/AIDS resources are also listed.