When you think about your health,
sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)
are probably not something you
worry much about. However,
among sexually active people, STDs
are more common, and more serious,
than you may realize. According
to the American Social Health
Association, one out of five people
in the United States has an STD.
Your best protection against getting
an STD is prevention. Learn the risk
factors and symptoms for STDs
so that you can take steps to avoid
infection.
Who Is at Risk?
STDs do not discriminate. Regardless
of your age, economic level
or social background, if you are
sexually active with more than one
partner, you are at risk for getting
an STD. You are also at risk if your
partner is sexually active with other
partners.
According to the National
Institute of Allergy and Infectious
Diseases (NIAID), almost two-thirds
of all people with STDs are under
age 25. Although sexually active
women and men are at risk, women
are more at risk for complications,
such as pelvic inflammatory disease.
This is because women are more
likely to not experience symptoms,
and the STD can remain undetected.
Intravenous drug users are
also at greater risk for getting STDs.
What Are the Signs?
Many STDs have no symptoms,
especially in women, so you could
have one and not know it. Symptoms
vary depending on the type of
infection. But there are some common
signs of infection, including:
- pain when you urinate
- vaginal discharge (women)
- urethral discharge (men)
- genital or rectal sores or growths
- fever, fatigue and headache
- abdominal pain
The most common STDs are genital
warts, chlamydia, herpes type 2,
gonorrhea and syphilis. Most STDs
are treatable, so if you have symptoms,
see your doctor right away. If
you have an STD, tell your sexual
partner so that he or she can get
treatment too. Some STDs can be
treated with antibiotics. If left
untreated, STDs can lead to more
serious health problems, such as
infertility or cervical cancer.
How Can I Prevent STDs?
The only sure way to prevent an
STD is to avoid sexual contact.
Your risk is also low if you have a
monogamous relationship with an
uninfected partner. If you are sexually
active, these tips from the
NIAID can help protect you:
- Always use a male latex condom
when you have sex.
- Have regular checkups for STDs,
even if you have no symptoms.
- Talk openly with your partner
about STDs and whether either
of you may have been exposed.
- Learn how to recognize the signs
of STDs.
- Do not have sex with a partner
who has signs of an STD.
Talk with your doctor and your
partner about how to practice
safer sex. For more information,
go to the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention Web site
at www.cdc.gov.
—Alison Rogers
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