Every year in the United States, more than 15 million people will
catch a sexually transmitted disease (STD). People under age 25 are
most likely to get an STD. Untreated STDs put women at risk of
infertility (not being able to have children), continuing pain, and
serious pregnancy problems.
Three Major STDs
The three most common sexually transmitted diseases in the United
States are…
-
chlamydia (cla-mid-ee-a),
-
human papillomavirus (pap-ill-o-ma-vie-russ), and
-
trichomoniasis (trick-o-mo-nigh-uh-sis).
Chlamydia is the most common STD caused by bacteria.
About 3 million cases are diagnosed each year, mainly among teens and
young adults. In women, untreated chlamydia can lead to other serious
health problems, including pelvic inflammatory disease (an infection
of the fallopian tubes). Most women with chlamydia have few or no
symptoms. Without testing and treatment, the disease can continue for
months or years. Symptoms of chlamydia, if they occur, can include
unexpected discharge or bleeding from the vagina, a burning feeling
when you urinate (pee), and pain in the lower abdomen. Chlamydia rates
are rising fast in the U.S., especially among women, partly because of
better testing. Chlamydia can be treated with antibiotics.
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is probably the most common
STD among young, sexually active people. HPV is caused by a virus.
About 5.5 million Americans become infected with HPV each year. HPV
sometimes causes genital warts, but in many cases, people with HPV
have no symptoms they can see or feel. HPV is the most common cause of
an abnormal Pap smear (a test to check the health of a woman's
cervix). Concern about HPV has grown in recent years because infection
with certain types of HPV can lead to cancer of the cervix. Cervical
cancer causes 4,500 deaths among women each year. HPV cannot be cured,
but a number of different treatments can remove the warts. Changes in
the cervix that may lead to cancer can be detected with a Pap smear
and treated. Occasionally HPV may disappear on its own.
Trichomoniasis, often call Trich (pronounced
"trick") for short, is a common infection. It is caused by a
tiny, one-celled organism, called a protozoan. As many as 5 million
cases occur each year in the United States. In women, trich can cause
vaginal itching, redness, and a frothy, yellow-green discharge. The
infection may also cause pain or discomfort during sexual intercourse
or urination. Trichomoniasis may increase the risk of infection with
human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the virus that causes AIDS. Trich
usually can be cured with an antibiotic.
Testing
Screening tests can help determine if you have an STD. If you are
young and have had or are having sex, have a new or multiple sex
partners, and don't use condoms EVERY time or properly - you are
at risk. If you think you could have an STD, tell your doctor or call
your local health department. STD testing usually is not done as part
of a regular exam or visit to the gynecologist. Be sure to discuss any
concerns with your healthcare provider. He or she can help decide
which STD tests are right for you.
Prevention
If you are sexually active, stay with one partner who you know does
not have any STDs and is not having sex with anyone else. Having more
than one sexual partner, or having sex with someone who has other
partners, greatly increases your risk of getting infected.
When used correctly with every act of intercourse, male latex condoms
are good for preventing many STDs. If you are sexually active or plan
to be, ask your doctor for instructions about correct condom use, or
call or visit the websites of the organizations listed below.
For More Information
For more information about sexually transmitted diseases, including
risk factors and ways to protect yourself, contact the following
organizations:
American Social Health Association P.O. Box 13827
Research Triangle Park, NC 27709
Phone: 1-800-227-8922
http://www.iwannaknow.org
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Office of Women's Health 1600 Clifton Road, MS:
D-51
Atlanta, GA 30033
Phone: 1-404-639-7230
http://www.cdc.gov
National STD Hotline: 1-800-227-8922
National AIDS Hotline: 1-800-342-AIDS
Planned Parenthood Federation of America 810 Seventh
Avenue
New York, NY 10019
Phone: 1-800-829-PPFA
http://www.plannedparenthood.org/sti/