Sexually Transmitted Diseases Frequently Asked Questions About STDS Answers to frequently asked questions about sexually transmitted diseases Bacterial Vaginosis Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most common vaginal infection in women of childbearing age. Chlamydia Serious complications that cause irreversible damage, including infertility, can occur ?silently? before a woman ever recognizes she has chlamydia. Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) Human papilloma virus is the name of a group of viruses that can infect the genital area and lead to cervical cancer. HIV Anyone can get HIV. The most important thing to know is how you can get the virus. Gonorrhea Gonorrhea is caused by a bacterium that can grow and multiply easily in the warm, moist areas of the reproductive tract. Genital Herpes Genital HSV-2 infection is more common in women (approximately one out of four women) than in men (almost one out of five). Syphilis Syphilis is often called the "great imitator" of sexually transmitted diseases because it can imitate symptoms of other infections. Trichomoniasis Trichomoniasis is the most common curable STD in young, sexually active women. Copyright 2001-2009 Aetna Inc. Web Privacy Statement | Legal Statement | Privacy Notices | Member Disclosure