STDs are infections that people usually get by having sex (vaginal, anal, or oral) with someone who already has a sexually transmitted disease.

There are 18.9 million new cases of STDs each year.

Not all STDs are curable. Bacterial STDs can be cured with antibiotic medicine, but viral STDs cannot.

If you are sexually active it is very important to get tested often because most people infected with STDs are asymptomatic (symptom free). Listed below are some of the most common STDs:

• Chlamydia - the most common bacterial STD in the United States.
• Gonorrhea - is a bacterial STD. Untreated gonorrhea can cause serious and permanent health problems.
• HPV (Human papillomavirus) – a viral infection. HPV is the most common STD. HPV can lead to cancer of the cervix, vulva, vagina, anus, or penis. It is spread skin to skin. Approximately 8 out every 10 sexually active women will contract HPV in their lifetime.
• Herpes - a viral infection. There is no cure for herpes and it can be spread even when there are no sores present.
• HIV/AIDS - a viral infection. HIV is spread through blood and sexual secretions. It can also be transmitted through breast milk.