STDs and STIs
* Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) also known as STDs (sexually transmitted diseases) continue to be a major health threat in the United States
* CDC estimates that nearly 20 million new STI infections occur annually
* Almost half are between the ages of 15 and 24
* Currently in the US there are more than 110 million people living with an STI
* STIs pose a large economic burden
* Direct medical costs can be nearly $16 billion in a single year
* CDC estimates that nearly 20 million new STI infections occur annually
* Almost half are between the ages of 15 and 24
* Currently in the US there are more than 110 million people living with an STI
* STIs pose a large economic burden
* Direct medical costs can be nearly $16 billion in a single year
General Facts About STDs
- STIs/STDs are transmitted through vaginal, oral, or anal sex and other intimate skin-to-skin contact. Some STDs are passed through contact with infected blood, needle sharing when shooting drugs or tattoos/body piercings with a previously used (unsterile) needle.
- Each year, one in four teens contracts an STD/STI. (American Social Health Association)
- One in two sexually active persons will contact an STD/STI by age 25. (American Social Health Association)
- There are presently more than 25 significant STDs (Centers for Disease Control)
- The most common STIs among young people are chlamydia, gonorrhea, hepatitis B, herpes simplex virus 2 (genital herpes), HIV, HPV, syphilis, and trichomoniasis.
- Both young men and young women are heavily affected by STIs, but young women face the most serious long-term health consequences.
- At least 15% of all American women who are infertile can attribute it to tubal damage caused by Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID), the result of untreated STDs (such as chlamydia or gonorrhea). PID can also increase the risk of ectopic pregnancies.
- In 2013, McKinley County had the highest rates of chlamydia and of gonorrhea in the state of New Mexico. In NM, 63% of reported chlamydia cases were among persons ages 15-24 years, and 48% of reported gonorrhea cases were among persons ages 15-24 years.
- HPV is the most common STI and can cause genital warts, as well as cervical and other cancers.
- Untreated chlamydia, gonorrhea, or syphilis can increase a person's chances of acquiring or transmitting HIV - the virus that causes AIDS.
- See the Common STD Chart for basic information on: CHLAMYDIA, GONORRHEA, SYPHILIS, HIV, GENITAL HERPES, HPV, HEPATITIS B & C, PID, TRICHOMONIASIS
- *While viral STIs can be treated to relieve pain or minimize symptoms, there is no cure for viral STIs (HPV, HIV, and Herpes)*
- Also check out the CDC site, National Prevention Information Network :
Find out if you need to get tested for an STD
Facts About STIs While Pregnant
- Women who are pregnant can become infected with the same sexually-transmitted diseases (STDs or STIs) as women who are not pregnant.
- A pregnant woman should be tested (screened) for STDs including HIV as part of her medical care during pregnancy.
- A pregnant woman can pass STDs to her baby while passing through the birth canal during labor and birth. But some STDs can cross the placenta and infect your baby in the womb.
During Pregnancy, STIs Can Increase Your Risk of:
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How Do You Know If You Have an STI During Pregnancy
GET TESTED: Screening and treating pregnant women for STDs is a vital way to prevent serious health complications to both mother and child. The sooner a woman begins receiving medical care during pregnancy, the better the health outcomes will be for herself and her unborn baby. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
Prevention
The surest way to avoid STDs and HIV is to abstain from vaginal, anal, and oral sex and intimate sexual contact, or to be in a long-term mutually monogamous relationship (marriage) with a partner who has been tested and is known to be uninfected.
Condoms may reduce the risk of infection in some cases but cannot be considered totally safe. They must be used consistently and correctly. The proper usage of condoms with each act of sexual activity can reduce, but not eliminate, the risk of receiving an STI.
Condoms may reduce the risk of infection in some cases but cannot be considered totally safe. They must be used consistently and correctly. The proper usage of condoms with each act of sexual activity can reduce, but not eliminate, the risk of receiving an STI.
This Center offers accurate information about all pregnancy options.
THIS CENTER DOES NOT OFFER ABORTION SERVICES OR ABORTION REFERRALS
THIS CENTER DOES NOT OFFER ABORTION SERVICES OR ABORTION REFERRALS