Women with sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are largely asymptomatic, and even in the presence of symptoms are frequently misdiagnosed. The "stigma of VD" perpetuates this problem, such that both patient and physician are too embarrassed to suggest appropriate STD diagnostic tests. Imperatives for the reduction of STDs include increasing federal appropriations for STD control, improving STD training for health professionals, openly advertising condoms, and equipping clinical facilities likely to see women harboring STDs with the means to diagnose and treat. The development of serologic tests and vaccines against gonorrhea, chlamydia and herpes is an additional objective that would benefit women. A multifaceted approach combining the efforts of women's groups, family physicians, gynecologists, nurse practitioners and public health educators will be required to effectively handle the problem of STDs in women.