NICHD research on STDs/STIs ranges from identifying factors and behaviors that affect the risk of contracting or spreading STDs/STIs to understanding how STDs/STIs affect pregnancy and long-term health to developing and testing new interventions to prevent the spread of STDs/STIs in different populations. Also, since 1987, NICHD has supported research and training activities that have helped to establish and define the field of contraceptive microbicides, products that both prevent pregnancy and reduce the transmission of STIs, including HIV.
NICHD-supported researchers are also trying to understand the best ways to communicate with people about STIs and effective preventive measures. Some of this research includes studying attitudes, perception, and knowledge of STIs and their prevention; understanding the use and misuse of contraception to prevent STIs; and understanding the misinformation surrounding the topic while aiming to identify the best settings for providing education about sexual health.
Because preventing and treating STIs is a major goal for NIH and its Institutes, NICHD conducts and supports a variety of clinical trials on STIs, including HIV.
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