Std Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)
The Basics
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), also called sexually transmitted infections (STIs), are diseases and infections that are passed from person to person through sexual contact. HIV is an STD. There are more than 25 other STDs that are mainly spread by sexual contact such as vaginal, anal, and oral sex. The US has the highest rate of STDs in the developed world. In the US, about 19 million new infections occur each year. Teenage girls and young women need to be particularly aware of STDs. A recent study estimates that 1 in 4 teenage girls (aged 14-19) have an STD. African- Americans girls and young women have some of the highest rates of STDs, especially for chlamydia and gonorrhea. In addition, women suffer more frequent and more serious complications from STDs than men. Many STDS have no symptoms, but can still be passed from person to person. A lot of people who have an STD don't even know it. They may look healthy, but they still could have an STD. The only way to know for sure is to have regular STD screenings from your healthcare provider. If left untreated, STDs can cause serious health problems including cervical cancer, liver disease, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), infertility, and pregnancy problems. Having some STDs (such as chancroid, herpes, syphilis, and trichomoniasis) can increase the risk of your getting HIV if you are HIV-negative and get exposed to HIV. People with HIV may also be at greater risk to get or pass on other STDs. Fortunately, many STDs can be prevented by practicing safer sex . And most STDs, though not all, can be successfully treated.
Some Sexually Transmitted Diseases to Know About
If there are signs of STDs, they are most likely to be in the genital area. The genital area in women includes the vulva (the area around the vagina including the lips), vagina (the opening where menstrual blood comes out), buttocks, and anus (the opening where stool comes out). The
The Basics
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), also called sexually transmitted infections (STIs), are diseases and infections that are passed from person to person through sexual contact. HIV is an STD. There are more than 25 other STDs that are mainly spread by sexual contact such as vaginal, anal, and oral sex. The US has the highest rate of STDs in the developed world. In the US, about 19 million new infections occur each year. Teenage girls and young women need to be particularly aware of STDs. A recent study estimates that 1 in 4 teenage girls (aged 14-19) have an STD. African- Americans girls and young women have some of the highest rates of STDs, especially for chlamydia and gonorrhea. In addition, women suffer more frequent and more serious complications from STDs than men. Many STDS have no symptoms, but can still be passed from person to person. A lot of people who have an STD don't even know it. They may look healthy, but they still could have an STD. The only way to know for sure is to have regular STD screenings from your healthcare provider. If left untreated, STDs can cause serious health problems including cervical cancer, liver disease, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), infertility, and pregnancy problems. Having some STDs (such as chancroid, herpes, syphilis, and trichomoniasis) can increase the risk of your getting HIV if you are HIV-negative and get exposed to HIV. People with HIV may also be at greater risk to get or pass on other STDs. Fortunately, many STDs can be prevented by practicing safer sex . And most STDs, though not all, can be successfully treated.
Some Sexually Transmitted Diseases to Know About
If there are signs of STDs, they are most likely to be in the genital area. The genital area in women includes the vulva (the area around the vagina including the lips), vagina (the opening where menstrual blood comes out), buttocks, and anus (the opening where stool comes out). The