STD's, or Sexually Transmitted Diseases are among the most commonly diagnosed diseases in the United States. There are more than 40 different kinds. They are most commonly contracted through sexual activity with a person who is already infected. However it is possible to contract some STD's with contaminated feces or blood. If you have an STD, or suspect that you do, consult with your doctor.
| Common Symptoms | Facts you should know | |
| HPV | Painful warts on either the genitals or on the lips, mouth, tongue or throat. | HPV infections are linled to cancer of the cervix, mouth, throat, prostate and anus. Often passed through oral sex |
| Chlamydia | In men, burning sensation while urinating, penis discharge,
burning and itching around opening of penis and/or swelling of the
testicles. In women, burning sensation while urinating and abnormal vaginal discharge. |
If left untreated, the infection can spread throughout the entire body causing pain, scarring and long term consequences. |
| Trichomoniasis | In men, irritation inside the penis, mild discharge, burning
after ejaculation or urination. In women, frothy, yellow-green vaginal discharge with strong odor. Discomfort during intercourse, itching and irritation in genital area, and lower abdominal pain. |
If left untreated can increase a woman's susceptibility to HIV/AIDS and may increase the chance that an HIV-infected woman will pass the HIV/AIDS virus to a partner. Infected women are also at an increased risk of premature birth or delivering a low birth weight baby. |
| HIV/AIDS | Initially, people with HIV/AIDS feel perfectly healthy. Within a month or two, flu-like symptoms may appear. More persistent or severe symptoms may not appear for more than ten years after the initial infection. | Early diagnoses is critical for the successful management of HIV/AIDS. |
| Herpes (I & II) | Clear, fluid-filled blisters on the genitals or in mouth, nose & throat. Flu-like symptoms. | Increases likelihood of giving or contracting HIV/AIDS. Genital herpes can cause a deadly infection for babies born to mothers with an outbreak at the time of delivery. |
| Gonorrhea | Men, burning sensation while urinating, yellowish-white
discharge and painful or swollen testicles. Women, yellowish or bloody vaginal discharge and a burning sensation while urinating. |
If left untreated can cause serious damage to the body including a life-threatening medical condition. |
| Syphilis | Hard to diagnose, symptoms can go undetected for quite some time. Sores, skin rashes, swollen lymph nodes, fevers, sore throat, patchy hair loss. headaches, weight loss, muscle aches, and fatique. | If not treated, secondary symptoms may appear including damage to internal organs, paralysis, blindness, dementia and death. |