Sexually transmitted diseases - also known as STDs
and once called venereal diseases or VD - are infectious diseases that spread
from person to person though intimate contact. STDs affect guys and girls of all
ages and backgrounds who are having sex - it doesn't matter if they're rich or
poor.
STDs are becoming more and more common: By the age of 21, almost
one in five Americans requires treatment for an STD. 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 they're not treated, some STDs can cause permanent
damage, such as infertility (the inability to have a baby) and even death
(HIV/AIDS is one of the STDs that's on the rise in teens).
How STDs
Spread One reason STDs spread is because people think they
need to have sexual intercourse to become infected. 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 changes 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 people who stay with the same
partner.
- Unprotected sex. Latex condoms are the only form
of birth control that lessen your risk of contracting an STD. 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 treat them. The only way to completely prevent
STDs is to abstain from all types of sexual
contact.
People who are considering becoming sexually active
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.
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 CDC (Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention) 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, the vaginal infection bacterial
vaginosis can easily be confused with both STDs and yeast infections. Guys may
worry about bumps on the penis that turn out to be pimples or hair follicles.
That's why it's important to see a doctor if you ever have questions about your
sexual health.
For more information about the signs, symptoms, and
treatments of some common STDs, click on the links below.
Updated and reviewed by: Michele Van Vranken, MD Date
reviewed: November 2004 Originally reviewed by: Neil Izenberg, MD, and
Jonathan Schneider, DO
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