SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES (STDS)

FAST FACTS

• 1 in 4 teen girls will get an STD this year.
• Of the 18.9 million new cases of STDs each year, 9.1 million (48%) are in 15-24 year olds.

STDs are diseases that people get by having sex (vaginal, oral and anal) with another person. STDs can also spread by skin to skin contact. All sexually active people can get STDs.

Some STDs can be treated and cured; some can only be treated but will never go away. Some STDs will stay with the person forever.

There are over 25 sexually transmitted diseases. STDs are grouped into three types. To learn more about any or all of the STDs, click on the STD listed.

Bacterial
These STDs are caused by bacteria (germs) and can be treated with medication and cured.

• Chlamydia
• Gonorrhea
• Syphilis

Viral
These STDs are caused by viruses; most can be treated but not cured.

• HPV (Human Papillomavirus)
• Genital Herpes
• Viral Hepatitis
• HIV/AIDS

Parasitic
These STDs are caused by parasites (small bugs) that live on or under the skin. Parasitic STDs are very common and very easy to spread. Parasitic STDs spread through close contact like sex but can also be through contact with clothing or bedding.

• Pubic Lice
• Scabies
• Trichomoniasis

Symptoms
So how do you know if you have an STD? The following are common symptoms a person might notice:

• NONE-often people who get an STD do not know it because there are no symptoms.
• Discharge from the penis or vagina-this is an unusual discharge and may have an odor
• Pain – when urinating (peeing) or during sex
• Burning or itching around vagina or penis
• Unusual or occasional bleeding in vaginal area
• Lower stomach pain
• Sores, bumps or rashes in the genital area
• A swelling or redness in the throat
• Flu like symptoms-fever, chills, aches
• Swelling in groin area

Different symptoms can happen with different STDs. If you notice anything unusual, stop all sexual activity until you GET TESTED! To help you find the nearest clinic or doctor, go to our clinic finder.