·	A sexually transmitted disease (STD) is a disease caused by a "pathogen" (virus, bacterium, parasite, fungus) that is spread from person to person primarily through sexual contact.

·	An estimated 200 to 400 million people worldwide are infected.

·	STDs can be painful, irritating, debilitating, and life threatening.

·	More than 20 STDs have been identified.

·	The United States has the highest rates of STDs in the industrialized world.

·	In the United States alone, an estimated 15.3 million new cases of STDs are reported each year.

·	The estimated total number of people living in the United States with a viral STD is over 65 million.

·	Women suffer more frequent and more serious complications from STDs than men.

·	Some STDs cause no symptoms, but can still be passed from person to person even if there are no symptoms.

·	STDs occur most commonly in sexually active teenagers and young adults, especially those with multiple sex partners.

·	Each year, one in four teens contracts a STD.

·	One in two sexually active persons will contract a STD by age 25.

·	About half of all new STDs occur among youth ages 15 to 24.

·	Human Papilloma Virus: The human papilloma virus is thought to be one of the main causes of cervical cancer. It has also been linked with other types of cancers of the female reproductive system. While HPV can be treated to reduce the signs and symptoms, there is currently no cure for this virus.

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Herpes Virus: Herpes is another STD that presently has no cure. However, treatment is available and there are a number of things you can do yourself at home to help relieve your genital herpes. Herpes symptoms include blisters or sores that periodically break out on the genitals. Take a look at our FAQs on genital herpes to learn even more about this uncomfortable STD.

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Hepatitis: Although there is no cure for those already infected, there is now a Hepatitis B (HBV) vaccine available to prevent the spread of this infection. Many are asymptomatic, however those who do suffer from Hepatitis B symptoms may have many unpleasant discomforts. Even though there is a possibility that the infection will clear up on its own, some people suffer from chronic infections for many years. Treatment is available for chronic sufferers. Other types of hepatitis infections that can be passed through sexual contact include Hepatitis A and Hepatitis C.

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HIV/AIDS: One STD that many people are worried about getting is HIV. While new ways of treating this infection can significantly prolong an infected person's life, for far too many people this infection eventually progresses to AIDS and, ulitmately, death. More than 40 million people worldwide are infected with the HIV virus; women account for 50% of those infected. Many people may not realize they are infected, as the HIV virus is often asymptomatic for the first few years. HIV testing is the only sure way to know if you are infected. However, you can take steps to help prevent the infection.

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Syphilis: Throughout history, cases of syphilis have been recorded. While this STD has not always been effectively dealt with, nowadays, syphilis can easily be treated and cured. However, as history has shown, without treatment, syphilis symptoms can progress and affect the nervous system and brain leading to dementia and even death.

·	Trichomoniasis: Trichomoniasis is one of the most common, curable STDs out there. However, symptoms of trich may be mistaken for a yeast infection causing a women to use the wrong type of treatment for her vaginal discharge.

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Common Infections: Chlamydia and gonorrhea often infect a person at the same time. Although the symptoms of chlamydia are different from gonorrhea symptoms, it is not unusual for a person to be asymptomatic. If you are testing for chlamydia, it may be a good idea to also test for gonorrhea at the same time. Both STDs can be cured but can also do damage to your reproductive system if left untreated.

·	Pubic Lice: A very common STD, crabs are very similar to head lice. While the itchy symptoms can be hard to miss, treatment for pubic lice can easily take care of the discomfort these pests can cause.

·	Rare Infections: Some STDs, like granuloma inguinale and chancroid, are not so well known in North America, but that doesn't mean your not at risk of contracting these infections. Other lesser-talked about STDs include nongonococcal urethritis, molluscum contagiosum, and lymphogranuloma venereum.

·	Itching around the vagina and/or discharge from the vagina for women

·	Discharge from the penis for men

·	Pain during sex, when urinating and/or in the pelvic area

·	Sore throats in people who have oral sex

·	Pain in the anus for people who have anal sex

·	Chancre sores (painless red sores) on the genital area, anus, tongue and/or throat

·	A scaly rash on the palms of your hands and the soles of your feet

·	Dark urine, loose, light-colored stools, and yellow eyes and skin

·	Small blisters that turn into scabs on the genital area

·	Swollen glands, fever and body aches

·	Unusual infections, unexplained fatigue, night sweats and weight loss

·	Soft, flesh-colored warts around the genital area

·	The less sexual partners a person has, the lower the risk of infection.

·	Most sexually transmitted diseases can be avoided to a large extent by practicing safe sex (eg using condoms).

·	Most sexually transmitted diseases can be cured if they are diagnosed and treated in their early stages.