Submit Your STD Research to a Journal That Understands Your Field
Join leading infectious disease researchers, epidemiologists, and public health experts publishing breakthrough studies on sexually transmitted infections, prevention strategies, and treatment innovations.
The International Journal of Sexually Transmitted Diseases (IJSTD) is dedicated to advancing the understanding, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of sexually transmitted infections through rigorous, evidence-based research. We publish high-impact studies across epidemiology, clinical trials, molecular diagnostics, behavioral interventions, and public health policy.
Our expert editorial board comprises leading infectious disease specialists, epidemiologists, microbiologists, and public health researchers who understand the complexities of STD research. Whether you're investigating novel diagnostic methods, analyzing transmission patterns, evaluating prevention programs, or conducting clinical trials of new therapeutics, IJSTD provides a rigorous yet supportive platform for your work to reach a global audience of researchers, clinicians, and policymakers.
Two Convenient Ways to Submit Your Manuscript
ManuscriptZone Portal
Our comprehensive submission platform offers a guided workflow with real-time tracking, auto-save functionality, and direct communication with editors and reviewers throughout the peer review process.
- Track your manuscript status in real-time
- Auto-save prevents data loss
- Upload supplementary materials easily
- Receive and respond to reviewer comments
- Manage revisions efficiently
- Access submission history
Best for: Complete manuscript management from submission through publication
Submit via ManuscriptZoneQuick Submission Form
A streamlined, single-page submission form designed for straightforward manuscripts. Perfect when you need to submit quickly without creating an account or navigating multiple steps.
- No account registration required
- Single-page submission process
- Fast and efficient
- Ideal for straightforward submissions
- Immediate confirmation
Best for: Quick submissions when you prefer a simplified process
Use Quick Submission FormBoth methods are equally valid. Choose the option that best fits your workflow. All submissions receive the same rigorous peer review and editorial consideration regardless of submission method.
Article Types We Publish
IJSTD welcomes diverse research contributions that advance our understanding of sexually transmitted diseases. Our expert reviewers evaluate manuscripts based on scientific rigor, methodological soundness, and contribution to the field.
Original Research Articles
Epidemiological studies, clinical trials, laboratory investigations, behavioral research, and intervention evaluations examining STD transmission, prevention, diagnosis, or treatment.
Systematic Reviews & Meta-Analyses
Comprehensive evidence syntheses following PRISMA guidelines on STD screening strategies, treatment efficacy, prevention interventions, or diagnostic accuracy studies.
Clinical Trials
Randomized controlled trials, non-randomized trials, and pilot studies evaluating STD treatments, vaccines, prevention strategies, or behavioral interventions (CONSORT reporting required).
Outbreak Investigations
Fast-tracked reports of STD outbreaks, emerging resistance patterns, or novel transmission clusters requiring rapid dissemination to public health authorities and clinicians.
Diagnostic & Laboratory Methods
Novel diagnostic techniques, molecular assays, point-of-care tests, antimicrobial susceptibility methods, or laboratory protocols for STD detection and characterization.
Public Health Interventions
Community-based programs, screening initiatives, partner notification strategies, health education campaigns, or policy evaluations addressing STD prevention and control.
Case Reports
Unusual clinical presentations, rare complications, novel treatment approaches, or diagnostically challenging cases that provide educational value to clinicians managing STDs.
Short Communications
Preliminary findings, pilot data, negative results, or brief reports of timely significance that warrant rapid publication to inform ongoing research or clinical practice.
Review Articles
Comprehensive narrative reviews, state-of-the-art summaries, or expert perspectives on current topics in STD research, clinical management, or public health policy.
Commentaries & Perspectives
Expert opinions, policy analyses, ethical discussions, or critical perspectives on controversial issues, emerging trends, or research priorities in the STD field.
Letters to the Editor
Responses to published articles, brief research findings, or observations that contribute to ongoing scientific discussions within the STD research community.
Editorials
Invited or submitted editorials addressing significant developments, research priorities, policy implications, or emerging challenges in STD prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.
Pre-Submission Checklist
Ensure your manuscript is ready for submission by verifying these essential components. Complete submissions expedite the review process and reduce delays.
- Manuscript file prepared: Word (.doc/.docx) or LaTeX format, double-spaced, with line numbers for reviewer reference
- Title page complete: Full title, all author names and affiliations, corresponding author contact information, word count, and keywords
- Abstract included: Structured abstract (Background, Methods, Results, Conclusions) not exceeding 300 words for research articles
- Figures and tables ready: High-resolution figures (minimum 300 DPI, TIFF or EPS format), editable tables, descriptive captions for all visual elements
- References formatted: All citations verified, formatted according to journal style (Vancouver or AMA format), DOIs included where available
- Ethics approval obtained: IRB/ethics committee approval letter for human subjects research, informed consent documentation, animal care committee approval if applicable
- Competing interests declared: All authors have disclosed financial relationships, conflicts of interest, or stated none exist
- Author contributions specified: Clear statement of each author's role using CRediT taxonomy (conceptualization, methodology, analysis, writing, etc.)
- Data availability statement: Description of how readers can access underlying data, or explanation if data cannot be shared
- Funding sources listed: All funding agencies, grant numbers, and sponsor roles acknowledged
- Cover letter drafted: Addressed to the Editor-in-Chief, explaining the significance of your research, confirming originality, and suggesting potential reviewers
- Supplementary materials prepared: Additional data files, protocols, questionnaires, or multimedia files formatted appropriately
Peer Review Timeline: What to Expect
We are committed to transparent, efficient peer review. Our expert reviewers-infectious disease specialists, epidemiologists, and public health researchers-provide constructive feedback to strengthen your manuscript.
Submission & Initial Screening
Your manuscript undergoes technical checks for completeness, formatting compliance, and plagiarism screening (iThenticate). Manuscripts with similarity index >30% are returned for revision.
1-3 daysEditor Assignment
An Associate Editor with expertise in your research area (e.g., STD epidemiology, antimicrobial resistance, behavioral interventions) is assigned to manage the peer review process.
2-4 daysPeer Review
Typically 2-3 expert reviewers evaluate your manuscript for scientific rigor, methodological soundness, statistical validity, and contribution to the field. Single-blind peer review ensures unbiased assessment.
14-21 daysEditorial Decision
Based on reviewer recommendations, the editor makes a decision: Accept, Minor Revisions, Major Revisions, or Reject. You receive detailed reviewer comments and specific guidance for revisions.
21-28 days from submissionRevision & Resubmission
If revisions are requested, you submit a revised manuscript with a point-by-point response to reviewer comments. The editor or reviewers assess whether concerns have been adequately addressed.
14 days for re-reviewAcceptance & Production
Once accepted, your manuscript enters production for copyediting, typesetting, and final proofing. You review and approve proofs before publication.
7-10 daysOnline Publication
Your article is published online with a DOI, immediately accessible worldwide. Open Access ensures maximum visibility and impact for your research.
Immediate upon approvalAverage time from submission to publication: 50-60 days for manuscripts accepted without major revisions. Fast-track review available for urgent public health communications and outbreak reports (14-day decision).
Why Researchers Choose IJSTD
Indexed in Major Databases
Google Scholar and discipline-specific databases ensure your research reaches the global STD research community.
Expert Peer Review
Reviewers are active researchers in infectious diseases, epidemiology, microbiology, and public health who provide constructive, discipline-specific feedback.
Fast Decisions
Average 21 days to first decision, with fast-track review (14 days) available for outbreak reports and urgent public health communications.
Open Access Impact
Immediate, unrestricted access worldwide maximizes citations, policy influence, and real-world impact of your STD research.
Ethical Publishing
Adheres to COPE best practices. Rigorous plagiarism screening. Transparent peer review. Adherence to radiation safety and patient privacy regulations.
APC Waivers Available
Financial constraints should not prevent publication of quality research. Waivers and discounts available for authors from low-income countries and unfunded studies.
62% Acceptance Rate
We balance selectivity with accessibility. Rigorous peer review ensures quality while supporting diverse research contributions to the field.
Author Support
Responsive editorial team provides guidance throughout submission, peer review, and production. We help you navigate the publication process successfully.
Submission Requirements & Guidelines
Manuscript Preparation
Prepare your manuscript according to IJSTD formatting guidelines to expedite review:
- File format: Microsoft Word (.doc/.docx) or LaTeX (.tex with compiled PDF)
- Formatting: Double-spaced, 12-point font, 1-inch margins, line numbers enabled
- Structure: Title page, Abstract, Keywords, Introduction, Methods, Results, Discussion, Conclusions, References, Tables, Figure legends
- Word limits: Vary by article type (see Article Types section above)
- References: Vancouver or AMA style, numbered consecutively, DOIs included
- Figures: High-resolution (minimum 300 DPI), TIFF or EPS format preferred, submitted as separate files
- Tables: Editable format (Word or Excel), not embedded as images
Reporting Guidelines
Follow appropriate reporting guidelines for your study type to ensure methodological transparency:
- Randomized trials: CONSORT checklist and flow diagram
- Observational studies: STROBE checklist
- Systematic reviews: PRISMA checklist and flow diagram
- Diagnostic accuracy studies: STARD checklist
- Qualitative research: COREQ or SRQR checklist
- Case reports: CARE checklist
Ethics & Compliance
All research involving human subjects or animals must comply with ethical standards:
- Human subjects: IRB/ethics committee approval required, informed consent obtained, patient confidentiality protected
- Animal research: IACUC approval required, ARRIVE guidelines followed
- Clinical trials: Prospective registration in recognized trial registry (ClinicalTrials.gov, ISRCTN, etc.)
- Data sharing: Encourage data deposition in public repositories; provide data availability statement
- Competing interests: All authors must disclose financial and non-financial conflicts
Cover Letter
Your cover letter should address the following points:
- Brief summary of your research and its significance to the STD field
- Explanation of how your work advances current knowledge or practice
- Confirmation that the manuscript is original, not under consideration elsewhere, and approved by all authors
- Statement that research complies with ethical standards
- Suggested reviewers (optional but helpful): 3-5 experts in your field with email addresses
- Excluded reviewers (optional): Individuals with potential conflicts of interest
After Submission: What Happens Next
Immediate Confirmation
You will receive an automated email confirming receipt of your submission, including a manuscript tracking number. Use this number for all correspondence about your manuscript.
Editorial Screening (1-3 days)
The editorial office conducts initial checks for completeness, formatting compliance, scope fit, and plagiarism. Manuscripts failing these checks are returned with guidance for resubmission.
Editor Assignment (2-4 days)
An Associate Editor with relevant expertise evaluates your manuscript's suitability for peer review. If deemed appropriate, the editor invites expert reviewers. If outside journal scope, you receive a rapid desk rejection with suggestions for more suitable journals.
Peer Review (14-21 days)
Typically 2-3 reviewers assess your manuscript. You can track reviewer invitation status and review progress through the ManuscriptZone portal. Reviewers evaluate:
- Scientific rigor and methodological soundness
- Appropriateness of study design and statistical analysis
- Clarity of presentation and logical flow
- Significance and novelty of findings
- Adequacy of literature review and contextualization
- Ethical compliance and data transparency
Editorial Decision (21-28 days)
Based on reviewer recommendations, the editor makes one of four decisions:
- Accept: Manuscript accepted with minor copyediting only (rare on first submission)
- Minor Revisions: Small changes required; typically no re-review needed
- Major Revisions: Substantial revisions required; manuscript will be re-reviewed
- Reject: Manuscript does not meet publication standards or fit journal scope
Revision Process
If revisions are requested, you will receive detailed reviewer comments and editor guidance. Submit your revised manuscript with:
- Revised manuscript with changes highlighted or tracked
- Clean version without tracked changes
- Point-by-point response to each reviewer comment
- Explanation of any reviewer suggestions not implemented
Final Acceptance & Production
Once accepted, your manuscript enters production. You will:
- Receive copyedited manuscript for author review
- Review and approve typeset proofs
- Complete copyright and licensing forms
- Arrange payment of Article Processing Charges (or waiver approval)
- Receive DOI and publication notification
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Article Processing Charges (APCs)?
APC information is available on our journal homepage. Waivers and discounts are available for authors from low-income countries, unfunded research, and cases of financial hardship. Contact us to discuss waiver eligibility before submission.
Can I suggest reviewers?
Yes, we welcome reviewer suggestions in your cover letter. Provide 3-5 names with email addresses and brief justification of their expertise. However, the editor makes final reviewer selection and is not obligated to use suggested reviewers.
Can I exclude certain reviewers?
Yes, you may request exclusion of specific individuals due to conflicts of interest or other concerns. Provide names and brief explanation in your cover letter. We respect these requests while ensuring adequate expert review.
What if my manuscript is rejected?
Rejection does not reflect on the quality of your research-it may simply be outside our scope or priorities. We provide constructive feedback to help you improve the manuscript for submission elsewhere. You may appeal a rejection decision if you believe there was a procedural error or misunderstanding.
How do I track my manuscript status?
If you submitted via ManuscriptZone, log in to view real-time status updates. If you used the Quick Submission Form, you will receive email notifications at each stage (submission received, under review, decision made, etc.).
Can I submit a manuscript in a language other than English?
IJSTD publishes in English only. However, we accept manuscripts from non-native English speakers. If language quality affects clarity, we may request professional editing before peer review. We can recommend editing services if needed.
Do you accept previously published work?
No, we only consider original research not previously published or under consideration elsewhere. However, we accept manuscripts based on conference abstracts, preprints (e.g., medRxiv), or thesis chapters, provided this is disclosed and properly cited.
Ready to Submit? We're Here to Help
Our editorial team is committed to supporting you throughout the submission and publication process. Whether you have questions about manuscript preparation, submission procedures, or journal policies, we're here to assist.
For technical support, submission assistance, or general inquiries, contact us at [email protected]
