Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) refer to the more than 25 infectious organisms transmitted primarily through sexual activity.
It is also called STDs, or STIs for sexually transmitted infections are infections that can be transferred from one person to another through sexual contact. According to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, there are over 15 million cases of sexually transmitted disease cases reported annually in the United States. There are more than 25 diseases that are transmitted through sexual activity. Other than HIV, the most common STDs in the United States are Chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, genital herpes, human papillomavirus, hepatitis B, Trichomoniasis, and bacterial vaginosis. Adolescents and young adults are the age groups at the greatest risk for acquiring an STD. Approximately 19 million new infections occur each year, almost half of them among people ages 15 to 24.
Some STDs can have severe consequences, especially in women, if not treated, which is why it is so important to go for STD testing. Some STDs can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease, which can cause infertility, while others may even be fatal. STDs can be prevented by refraining from sexual activity, and to a certain extent, some contraceptive devices, such as condoms.
The major STD:
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, as well as natural herpes treatment.
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 chronicinfections 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.
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, ultimately, death. More than 40 million people worldwide are infected with the HIV virus; women account for 50% of those infected. Recently, studies have found a link between the use of hormonal birth control and HIV.
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.