Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), are infections that can be transferred from one person to another through sexual contact. According to the Centers for Disease Control there are over 15 million cases of sexually transmitted disease cases reported annually. Adolescents and young adults (15-24) are the age groups at the greatest risk for acquiring an STD, 3 million becoming infected each year.

Some STDs are very uncomfortable, while others can be deadly. Syphilis, AIDS, genital warts, herpes, hepatitis, and even gonorrhea have all been known to cause death in certain cases. Many STDs can lead to related conditions such as pelvic inflammatory disease, cervical cancer, and complications in pregnancy. Therefore, education about these diseases and prevention is important.

Family planning providers can help prevent STDs by promoting and supplying contraceptives and by counseling clients. Family planning counselors can be helpful in getting the help you need to either prevent an STD or refer you to a doctor who can help you if you have contracted an STD.

• Click here for online resources related to STDs
• Click here for STD resources available in your county