Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are most often — but not exclusively — spread by sexual intercourse.

STDs used to be called venereal diseases or VD. They are among the most common contagious diseases. More than 65 million Americans have an incurable STD. Each year, 20 million new cases are reported; half of these infections are among people ages 15 to 24 and they can have long-term consequences. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, STDs are on the rise in the Hudson Valley Region of NY.

STDs are serious illnesses that require treatment. Some STDs, such as HIV, cannot be cured and can be deadly. By learning more about STDs, you can learn ways to protect yourself. You can get a STD from vaginal, anal, or oral sex. You can also be infected with trichomoniasis through contact with damp or moist objects such as towels, wet clothing, or toilet seats, although it is more commonly spread by sexual contact.

You are at high risk if:

You have more than one sex partner
You have sex with someone who has had many partners
You don’t use a condom when having sex
You share needles when injecting intravenous drugs
You trade sex for money or drugs

STDs Include:

What Causes STDs?

STDs include just about every kind of infection. Bacterial STDs include chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis. Viral STDs include HIV, genital herpes, genital warts (HPV), and hepatitis B. Trichomoniasis is caused by a parasite.

The germs that cause STDs hide in semen, blood, vaginal secretions, and sometimes saliva. Most of the organisms are spread by vaginal, anal, or oral sex, but some, such as those that cause genital herpes and genital warts, may be spread through skin contact. You can get hepatitis B by sharing personal items, such as toothbrushes or razors, with someone who has it.

PrEP CAN PROTECT YOU FROM GETTING INFECTED WITH HIV

PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) is a preventive option. PrEP allows you control over your sexual health and well-being. It offers you another way for you to protect yourself from HIV. PrEP is for people who are HIV-negative, have a high risk of being exposed to HIV through sex or drug injection. Studies have shown that the PrEP regimen works for heterosexual women and men, sexually-active gay and bisexual men, and injection drug users, and is also likely to benefit transgender women. PrEP can help protect anyone whose partner has HIV, or anyone who doesn’t know their partner’s HIV status. PrEP reduces the risk of HIV with one pill a day.

Source: https://www.webmd.com/sexual-conditions/guide/sexual-health-stds#1

Today’s advancements can significantly reduce your risk of HIV, HepC, and STDs.