The
general term sexually transmitted disease (STD) is applied to
any of the group of diseases that can be spread by sexual contact. (Sometimes
also called STI). The group includes conditions that used to be called
venereal diseases (VD). They were named after Venus the goddess of love. (A name
your parents probably knew when they were your age).
We’re sure
you have heard about sexually transmitted diseases in one way or another: at school, in the news, on TV, in magazine, from friends, and in public
service announcements. It’s common to see ads about how to get
HIV/AIDS testing and about treatments for herpes, genital warts
or lice on television or on the internet.
Every
year more than 12 million cases of sexually transmitted diseases are
reported in the United States. At least 3 million
among them are from teenagers.
Teens have the highest
rates of sexually transmitted diseases of any age group.
You can catch one.
STDs are spread
from one person to another through intimate sexual contact such as sexual
intercourse, oral-genital contact, or anal sex.
The
impact of STDs is particularly severe for women.
Since many STDs often cause few or no symptoms in women, they may go
untreated. Women are at serious risk for complications from STDs. Some
of these complications include: ectopic (tubal) pregnancy, chronic pelvic
pain, infertility and cervical cancer.
STDs
must be accurately diagnosed and treated completely. This means that
if you become sexually active or are considering becoming sexually active,
you need to have regular gynecological or male genital examinations.
If you think you
have an STD, or if you were with someone sexually who might have an
STD, you should see a health care provider right away. Ask
your partner to be tested also. Your health care provider cannot read
your mind, or even know if you are sexually active unless YOU tell them.
Ask to be tested for STDs, especially if you have not
been using condoms every time you have sex.
Pap
smears do NOT test for STDs.
If you are unable to talk to a parent
about being tested or you're worried about your parents finding out,
testing can be done without parental consent in the United States. This kind of testing is considered confidential.
Chlamydia
is now the number two sexually transmitted disease in the United States,
but it CAN be cured! So, get tested and treated. This used to be the number one STD. Now genital herpes has replaced it as the number one STD. Herpes is a virus and to date there is no cure for a virus, but there is treatment and prevention.
HPV
is one of the most common human infections in the world. It’s caused
by the Human Papillomavirus. There are
treatments for most STDs, so get check out and treated. Also read about the Gardasil Vaccine.
Genital Herpes - What Everyone Should
Know.
Anal Warts are sometimes sexually transmitted, learn more...
HIV
and Women - new statistics show that women of color are at a higher risk.
HIV Home Testing
Use a CONDOM every time you have sexual intercourse. For condom
help...
Prevent Disease By Using - “They
Fit” Condoms - Now In 70 Sizes from Condomania.
