SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES (STDs)

STDs are a group of infections that have a very high probability of being transmitted between humans through sexual activities including vaginal intercourse, and oral and anal sex. They are also refereed to as Venereal Diseases (VD) or Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI). The latter terminology is now preferred since it has been well documented that a person may be infected and infect others without any clinical symptom of the underlying disease.  Transmission of some STDs have also been documented in needle-sharing (between infected and uninfected individuals), childbirth, and breast feeding.

Here are some facts about STDs:

• 65 million of people living in the US with STDs
• 15 million of new STDs cases each year
• 2/3 of all STDs occurs in people 25 yrs of age or younger
• One in four new STDs cases occur in teenagers
• Cervical cancer in women is linked to HPV
• Doctors are required to report newly diagnosed STDs cases of gonorrhea, syphilis, chlamydia and hepatitis B to state health departments and the CDC
• One in four Americans have genital herpes, 80% of those with herpes are unaware they have it
• At least one in four Americans will contract an STDs at some point in their lives
• 15% of all infertile American women are infertile because of tubal damage caused by untreated STDs
• 12% of all infertile American men are infertile because of inflammation of the testicles and sterility caused by untreated STDs

Some of the most common types of STDs are listed below (more information can be obtained by clicking on a specific infection):

• Bacterial Vaginosis
• Chlamydia
• Genital HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) Infection
• Genital Herpes
• Gonorrhea
• HIV/AIDS
• Syphilis
• Trichomoniasis

Some other relevant topics relevant STDs are provided below (more information can be obtained by clicking on a specific topic):

• STDs and Pregnancy
• Infertility and STDs
• HIV/AIDS and STDs

To learn more about STDs and your risks and to get tested, make an appointment with a health care professional today at any of our closest LOCATIONS. We have Board-certified physicians and State-certified counselor to help you and your partner in the diagnosis and treatment of STDs.

To get more information about STDs, please visit the websites below:

• Center for Disease Control & Prevention
• A Guide to STDs
• Frequently Asked Questions - STDs