Sexually Transmitted Disease
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), also called sexually transmitted infections (STIs), are infectious diseases that spread from one person to another through intimate contact. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there about 18 million new cases of STDs reported annually. Adolescents and young adults (15-24) are the age group at the greatest risk for acquiring an STD, about 9 million becoming infected each year.¹
STDs can affect anyone – sexually active guys and girls of all ages and backgrounds. What most people do not understand is that STDs are spread through skin-to-skin contact with an infected area or sore; or by having vaginal, oral or anal sex. The bacteria or virus can be spread through a tiny cut or tear that is not visible to the naked eye. When it comes to sex, no matter how careful you try to be, there really is no ‘safe’ sex. A condom is not 100% effective against any STD. The only safe sex is abstinence. Sex is also considered safe in the context of a monogamous relationship (i.e. marriage) where neither party is infected with an STD. For more information check out medinstitute.org. | STD FACTS
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If you are sexually active, you are at risk for acquiring STDs. To find out if you have been infected, visit one of the
FREE STD Clinics in the area:
FREE STD Clinics in the area:
| SALEM COUNTY
Thursdays 2pm – 4pm Salem County Health Department Salem Memorial Hospital 310 Salem Woodstown Road, 3rd Floor Salem, NJ 08079 856-935-7510 ext. 8485 |
REFERENCES
1 Weinstock H, et al. Sexually transmitted diseases among American youth: incidence and prevalence estimates, 2000. Perspectives on Sexual and Reproductive Health 2004;36(1):6-10.
2 Koutsky L. (1997). Epidemiology of genital human papillomavirus infection. American Journal of Medicine, 102(5A), 3-8
3 Alan Guttmacher Institute. (1994). Sex and America's Teenagers. New York: Alan Guttmacher Institute.
4 Cates JR, Herndon NL, Schulz S L, Darroch JE. (2004). Our voices, our lives, our futures: Youth and sexually transmitted diseases. Chapel Hill, NC: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Journalism and Mass Communication.
1 Weinstock H, et al. Sexually transmitted diseases among American youth: incidence and prevalence estimates, 2000. Perspectives on Sexual and Reproductive Health 2004;36(1):6-10.
2 Koutsky L. (1997). Epidemiology of genital human papillomavirus infection. American Journal of Medicine, 102(5A), 3-8
3 Alan Guttmacher Institute. (1994). Sex and America's Teenagers. New York: Alan Guttmacher Institute.
4 Cates JR, Herndon NL, Schulz S L, Darroch JE. (2004). Our voices, our lives, our futures: Youth and sexually transmitted diseases. Chapel Hill, NC: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Journalism and Mass Communication.
Note: All information on this website is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your physician.
All pictures are used for illustration purposes only. The models are not connected to Cornerstone Women's Resource Centers or its services.
All pictures are used for illustration purposes only. The models are not connected to Cornerstone Women's Resource Centers or its services.
