Common STDs include Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Herpes, HPV (Warts) and Trichomonal Vaginitis 

Sexually transmitted diseases or STDs are a group of infections that can be caused by any type of sexual contact. Did you know that it is not necessary to have actual intercourse in order to spread an STD? Anyone that has ANY form of sex is at risk for contracting STDs, and that means you if you are sexually active.

I'm a Teen. Am I at risk for a sexually transmitted diseases?
STDs are very common among teenagers. Every year more than 4 million teens are diagnosed with an STD. That equates to about one of every four teenagers! About 25 percent of all STDs occur in teenagers. If you are sexually active, particularly if you engage in unprotected sex, you are at risk for contracting an STD.

The teenagers most at risk for contracting an STD are those:

• That have unprotected sex.
   
• That have sex with more than one partner.
   

• That have sex with someone that has an STD or has had an STD.
   

What are the consequences?
STDs can cause a wide range of symptoms. Sometimes they make you sick, other times they may cause permanent damage to your body.

STDs are tricky because they often have no noticeable symptoms. You may for example feel some mild irritation in the genital area. At other times you may feel ill or have flu like symptoms, but not associate your symptoms with an STD.

Some STDs have no cure. This is the case for herpes and HPV, two of the most common STDs in teenagers, as well as AIDS. Even if you are experiencing mild symptoms, it is possible that an STD can cause permanent damage to your body. The most lasting effect of some STDs may include infertility.

What do I do if I suspect I have a sexually transmitted disease?
If you suspect that you may have an STD, it is vital that you seek out proper care and treatment. Early treatment will help prevent the spread of infection and reduce the likelihood of permanent damage resulting from your infection.

Some of the more common STDs in teens include the following:

• Chlamydia & Gonorrhea -These infections may result in no symptoms. Alternatively you may have vaginal discharge, pain in your abdomen, or even a sore throat. Untreated these diseases can lead to infertility.
   

• Herpes -Genital herpes is a common STD spread by a virus. It can cause painful and swollen sores on the genital area. There is treatment that can help reduce symptoms and reduce the likelihood for recurrence, but there is no cure.
   

• Trichomonal Vaginitis -Is a parasite that can exist without symptoms in the vagina and seminal fluid of males.
   

• HPV -Human papilloma virus causes genital warts, which may lead to cancer of the cervix.
   

• Syphilis -This disease may cause a painless, smooth sore in the genital area. It can become severe if not treated early.
   

Can I prevent infection?
The best way to prevent the spread of STDs is abstinence. If you are sexually active however, you can engage in safe sex practices to reduce the likelihood of contamination and the spread of disease.

Remember however that STDs can be contracted through oral sex and simple skin to genital contact. Always ask your partner if they have had or have an STD. Limiting the number of sexual partners you have contact with will also reduce your risk.

In addition it is vital that you seek out regular care from a health care practitioner. If you are sexually active, you should be screened for STDs on a regular basis.

More information or to get help for an STD
Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Inc.
www.plannedparenthood.org

Sexually Transmitted Disease Information Line
800-227-8922

Advocates for Youth
www.advocatesforyouth.org

Reference: http://www.womenshealthcaretopics.com/sexually_transmitted_diseases.htm 

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