STDs

An STD is a sexually transmitted disease.  You get an STD by having sexual intercourse or sexual contact with another person who is infected with the disease.  STDs can be frightening, embarrassing, and dangerous, but, for the most part, are not life-threatening.

Some people who have an STD don't even know it, so always be cautious.  The best way to protect yourself from an STD is to practice abstinence (no sexual contact). Contraceptives can protect you from some STDs, but not all.  Remember that some STDs can be treated and cured if diagnosed early.  Don't be embarrassed about getting tested for an STD.  It's worth it.

Common STDs include:

• Chlamydia
• Herpes
• Gonorrhea
• Syphilis

Check out these websites to get more information about STDs:

• American Social Health Association - I Wanna Know

STD Statistics (Source: American Social Health Association):

• An estimated 1 in 5 people in the U.S. has a STD. 
• Two-thirds of all STDs occur in people 25 years of age or younger.
• About 1 in 4 new STD infections occur in teenagers.
• Hepatitis B is 100 times more infectious than HIV. 
• About 1 in 5 Americans have genital herpes, yet 90% of those with herpes are unaware they have it.
• At least 1 in 4 Americans will contract an STD at some point in their lives. 
• HPV and Chlamydia are the most common STDs in the U.S. 

The number of people affected in the U.S.:

• Chlamydia:     4 million
• Trichomoniasis ("trich"):     3 million
• Gonorrhea ("clap"):     1.1 million
• Genital Warts (HPV):     750,000
• Genital Herpes:  40 million affected, with as many as 500,000 new cases each year
• Hepatitis B:     300,000
• Syphilis:     120,000
• HIV:  1 million affected, with as many as 45,000 new AIDS cases reported each year