What are STDs, anyway?
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are the more than 25 diseases that spread through sexual contact. Back to top • How common are STDs in America? STDs are extraordinarily common. For example, over 40 million people are estimated to have chronic genital herpes, and there are an estimated 4 million new chlamydia cases a year. Back to top • Are STDs, other than HIV/AIDS, really a serious threat? Several STDs other than HIV/AIDs (Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) are quite serious. Diseases like syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia can have long-term consequences, including pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which can lead to sterility and chronic pelvic pain. Human papilloma virus (HPV), the virus that causes genital warts, is strongly linked to the development of cervical cancer. STD infection during pregnancy can cause pregnancy complications and, in some cases, lead to illness in the newborn. Back to top • Who gets STDs? STDs know no boundaries. Anyone w
