About Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)

Sexually transmitted diseases (also known as STDs — or STIs for
"sexually transmitted infections") are infectious diseases that spread
from person to person through intimate contact. STDs can affect guys and
girls of all ages and backgrounds who are having sex — it doesn't
matter if they're rich or poor.

Unfortunately, STDs have become common among teens. Because teens are
more at risk for getting some STDs, it's important to learn what you
can do to protect yourself.

STDs are more than just an embarrassment. They're a serious health
problem. If untreated, some STDs can cause permanent damage, such as
infertility (the inability to have a baby) and even death (in the case
of HIV/AIDS).

How STDs Spread

One reason STDs spread is because people think they can only be
infected if they have sexual intercourse. That's wrong. A person can get
some STDs, like herpes or genital warts, through skin-to-skin contact
with an infected area or sore.

Another myth about STDs is that you can't get them if you have oral
or anal sex. That's also wrong because the viruses or bacteria that
cause STDs can enter the body through tiny cuts or tears in the mouth
and anus, as well as the genitals.

STDs also spread easily because you can't tell whether someone has an
infection. In fact, some people with STDs don't even know that they
have them. These people are in danger of passing an infection on to
their sex partners without even realizing it.

Some of the things that increase a person's chances of getting an STD are:

• Sexual activity at a young age. The younger a person starts having sex, the greater his or her chances of becoming infected with an STD.
  
• Lots of sex partners. People who have sexual
  contact — not just intercourse, but any form of intimate activity — with
  many different partners are more at risk than those who stay with the
  same partner.
  
• Unprotected sex. Latex condoms are the only form of
  birth control that reduce your risk of getting an STD, and must be used
  every time. Spermicides, diaphragms, and other birth control methods
  may help prevent pregnancy, but they don't protect a person against
  STDs.
  
• Preventing and Treating STDs
  
  As with many other diseases, prevention is key. It's much easier to
  prevent STDs than to treat them. The only way to completely prevent STDs
  is to abstain
  from all types of sexual contact. If someone is going to have sex, the
  best way to reduce the chance of getting an STD is by using a condom
  every time.
  
  People who are considering having sex should get regular
  gynecological or male genital examinations. There are two reasons for
  this. First, these exams give doctors a chance to teach people about
  STDs and protecting themselves. And second, regular exams give doctors
  more opportunities to check for STDs while they're still in their
  earliest, most treatable stage.
  
  In order for these exams and visits to the doctor to be helpful,
  people need to tell their doctors if they are thinking about having sex
  or if they have already started having sex. This is true for all types
  of sex — oral, vaginal, and anal. And let the doctor know if you’ve ever
  had any type of sexual contact, even if it was in the past.
  
  Don't let embarrassment at the thought of having an STD keep you from
  seeking medical attention. Waiting to see a doctor may allow a disease
  to progress and cause more damage. If you think you may have an STD, or
  if you have had a partner who may have an STD, you should see a doctor
  right away.
  
  If you don't have a doctor or prefer not to see your family doctor,
  you may be able to find a local clinic in your area where you can get an
  exam confidentially. Some national and local organizations operate STD
  hotlines staffed by trained specialists who can answer your questions
  and provide referrals. Calls to these hotlines are confidential. One
  hotline you can call for information is the National STD Hotline at
  1-800-227-8922.
  
  Not all infections in the genitals are caused by STDs. Sometimes
  people can get symptoms that seem very like those of STDs, even though
  they've never had sex. For girls, a yeast infection can easily be
  confused with an STD. Guys may worry about bumps on the penis that turn
  out to be pimples or irritated hair follicles. That's why it's important
  to see a doctor if you ever have questions about your sexual health.
  
  More Information
  
  For more information about the signs, symptoms, and treatments of some common STDs, click on the links below.
  

* Chlamydia
* Genital Herpes (HSV-2)
* Genital Warts
* Gonorrhea
* Hepatitis B (HBV)
* HIV and AIDS
* Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
* Pubic Lice (Crabs)
* Syphilis
* Trichomoniasis