 More than 15 million Americans get an STD each year. Today there are at least 25 STD’s and many of them have no cure. Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD’s) are spread through vaginal, anal and oral sex. Even if you use condom, you are not safe from spreading or receiving an STD. STD’s are a silent epidemic as you can have one, never even know it, and pass it on to someone else.
Some interesting facts about STD’s”
- Chlamydia and Gonorrhea infections are among the most commonly reported bacterial STD’s in the US. Often times there are no symptoms present, however, if left untreated these infections can cause serious and permanent health problems in both men and women.
- Genital Herpes infects one out of five Americans over the age of 12. There is currently no cure for herpes. It can cause painful sores that may come back year after year.
- Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most common viral STD’s in America. HPV infections can cause genital warts and are linked to cancer of the cervix, mouth, throat, penis and anus.
- HIV/AIDS has killed nearly half a million Americans.
- Condoms don’t reduce your chances of getting HPV. They only reduce your chances of getting Chlamydia, Gonorrhea and Genital Herpes by half, and they reduce your chance of getting HIV by 85% when used correctly EVERY time you have sex.
STD’s are not an equal opportunity disease, STD’s in women are more severe and leave more damage behind than STD’s in men. Also, only women get pelvic inflammatory disease which can produce terrible internal damage, sterility and even death. Unfortunately many women will not find out that they have had an STD destroy their reproductive organs until they are trying to have a baby, and then it is too late. The only 100% way to protect yourself is to save sex until you’re in a faithful marriage. |