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Anyone who has sex can get an STD. You can get the same STD more than once, and you can have more than one STD at the same time.

Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)

In the United States each year, nearly one in 4 sexually active teens become infected with sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). STDs are spread by sexual contact. They can cause permanent harm to your body. Some can even kill you.

The best way to protect yourself from STDs is not to have sex. If you do have sex, protect yourself in these ways:

  • Use a latex condom every time you have oral, vaginal, or anal sex. A condom works better if you use it with a spermicide that contains nonoxynol-9.
  • Use a condom even if you are using other birth control
  • Avoid risky sexual behaviors
    • Limit the number of people you have sex with
    • Ask your partner questions about his history of sexual disease
    • Avoid risky practices like anal intercourse
  • Visit a doctor for screening tests and treatment after sex with a new partner.

Human Papillomavirus can cause genital warts. These warts may show up long after infection and may come back again for many years. Some types of human papillomavirus can lead to cancer of the cervix. Learn more about this and what you can do.

Chlamydia and gonorrhea are bacteria that may cause vaginal discharge, itching, pelvic pain, or a sore throat. However, these diseases sometimes cause no symptoms at all. Therefore, if you are sexually active you should have routine screens for chlamydia and gonorrhea. Screening tests can be done by pelvic examination or by a urine test. Chlamydia and gonorrhea are easily cured with antibiotics. If left untreated, they may spread to the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries, causing severe illness, pain, and infertility.

Trichomonas can cause an unpleasant smelling discharge and vaginal discomfort. It sometimes occurs along with other STDs. It can be cured with antibiotics.

Genital Herpes is a virus that usually causes painful sores in the genital area. These sores heal after a few days or weeks but the virus remains in your body and the sores may come back again. The sores can be treated but there is no cure for genital herpes.

Hepatitis B is a virus spread by bodily fluids that can destroy the liver. It can be prevented with a vaccination.

Syphilis is caused by a type of bacteria that can infect many parts of the body. It may not cause symptoms. Sometimes a painless, smooth sore on the genital area is an early sign of syphilis. If found early, it can be treated easily. If syphilis is not treated, it may return years later in advanced stages that can cause severe disease. Syphilis can be fatal.

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), which causes AIDS, enters the blood stream through bodily fluids. HIV destroys the cells of the immune system. Medicines can slow the progress of HIV and AIDS but there is no cure. AIDS can be a fatal disease.