Studies show over 80% of all sexually active adults will contract a sexually transmitted disease (STD) at some point, but many are unaware that they even have the disease. There are more than 25 STDs, apart from HIV.

STDs are passed from person to person through sexual contact such as vaginal, anal and oral sex. 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 your risk of getting HIV if you are HIV-negative and get exposed to HIV. People living with HIV (HIV+) are also at greater risk of getting or passing on other STDs. If HIV+ people get STDs, they often experience more serious problems from the infection. Some STDs can be cured with treatment; some, such as HIV and herpes, cannot be cured, but can be managed.

The most common STDs include chancroid, chlamydia, HPV (Human Papillomavirus), gonorrhea (the clap), hepatitis A, B and C (inflammation of the liver), herpes, genital HSV-2, HIV, pubic lice (crabs), syphilis, and trichomoniasis.

Protect yourself and others

Plan ahead by having your safer sex items (condoms, dental dams, gloves, lube, etc.) with you before you find yourself in a sexual situation. Using a condom can protect you from many, but not all, STDs. Avoid having sex when under the influence of alcohol or drugs because you’re more likely to make bad decisions and have unsafe sex.

See your health care provider right away if you:

    • Have had sexual contact with someone who may have an STD
    • Have symptoms like genital sores, discharge, or burning when you urinate
    • Are pregnant.

Get regular STD tests if you are sexually active, especially if you have sex with more than one partner. Many STDs do not have any symptoms. If needed, get the treatment your health care provider recommends. Even if the symptoms go away, you still need to finish treatment. If symptoms continue after treatment, see your health care provider again. Also make sure your partner(s) gets treated, so that you do not pass an infection back and forth.

 

Sources
www.thewellproject.org
www.webmd.com