Sexually Transmitted and Infectious Diseases

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are infections that you can get from having sex with someone who has the infection. The causes of STDs are bacteria, parasites and viruses. There are many types of STDs, including:

• Chlamydia
• Gonorrhea
• Herpes Simplex
• HIV/AIDS
• HPV
• Syphilis
• Trichomoniasis

Most STDs affect both men and women, but in many cases the health problems they cause can be more severe for women. If a pregnant woman has an STD, it can cause serious health problems for the baby. Helping HIV-infected pregnant women realize their goal of delivering a healthy baby is a top priority in Mount Sinai's Division of Sexually Transmitted Diseases in the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Science.

We have been a national leader in HIV research and in the management of HIV infections in pregnancy. As co-chair of the NIH funded AIDS Clinical Trial Group Rhoda Sperling, MD led a team of international investigators in the landmark trial that demonstrated that a regimen of antepartum, intrapartum, and newborn drug therapy could prevent mother-to-child HIV-1 transmission.

Mount Sinai also actively participated in the clinical development of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines that are now in wide use to aid in the prevention of cervical dysplasia and cervical cancer. More than 14,000 U.S. women develop cervical cancer each year and in 99.7% of cases, the disease is associated with a strain of HPV. Development of this vaccine was a major breakthrough in cervical cancer prevention.

In addition, we design clinical trials to help improve the health of women with sexually transmitted and infectious diseases.

We Can Help

The Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City ranks as a top hospital in the United States for gynecologic care, according to U.S. News & World Report. To make an appointment, please call us at 212-241-7952.