STD's/STI's (Sexually Transmitted Diseases/Infections)
Prior to 1960 there were only 2 major STD's on the scene, Syphilis and Gonorrhea. Then came the era know as the sexual revolution in which there was a major shift in the way society viewed sexual activity. Now there are more than 25 known significant STIs that can threaten your health, and some have no known cure. There are 2 major types of STD's, Bacterial (which can be treated) and Viral (for which there is no known cure).
Symptoms
Symptoms can include burning, pain, rashes or outbreaks, but many STD's have no symptoms and if left untreated can cause permanent damage to your body. Infected individuals can experience reoccuring outbreaks, cervical cancer, pelvic-inflammatory disease, infertility, or even death.
How are they spread?
Great question. STI's are spread through sexual activity, particularly risky sexual activity. Some STI's are spread by skin to skin contact, for which condoms offer limited protection. There are no warning signs that tell you if someone has an STI and most people don't offer that information freely. So unless your abstinent, it's kind of like playing Russian roulette.
Fast Facts about STI's
Approximately 19 million new cases every year [1]
Almost half of these new cases (9.1 million) are in 15- to 24-year-olds[1]
Most commonly acquired: human papillomavirus, trichomonas, and chlamydia [2]--these comprise 88% of all new cases in adolescents and young adults
Stay Informed
We encourage you to visit the “Sexual Health” section of the Medical Institute website located at www.medinstitute.org to learn more about STIs and other issues related to sexual health. You will find fact sheets for all the major STIs as well as research covering a range of topics.
References
1. Based on year 2000 estimates. Weinstock H., et al., Perspect Sex Reprod Health, 2004.
2. American Social Health Association, www.ashastd.org/learn/learn_statistics.cfm