and how can I tell?
YOU CAN’T TELL.
What’s the most common symptom of an STD?
NONE.
There is an epidemic of sexually transmitted infection and disease. There are 20 million new cases diagnosed each year–about half are in people under age 25. Although they’re common, it doesn’t mean they’re no big deal.
Most people with STDs don’t know it, because most infections have no symptoms. With or without symptoms, STDs can still be spread to other people.
Are you infected and don’t know it? Are they?
GOOD NEWS:
- Bacterial STDs can be treated with antibiotics. HPV, the most common viral infection, is sometimes naturally cleared by the body’s immune system. When used correctly and consistently every time, condoms provide some protection against STDs.
BAD NEWS:
- You can’t tell is someone is infected just by looking–or by taking their word for it. STDs may be spread during ANY sexual activity. This includes vaginal, oral, or anal sex or any other activities in which body fluids are shared. Some can even be spread by contact with infected skin. There are more than 25 different STI/STDs; some are incurable. Still others, even after treatment, can have lifelong health consequences.
To get tested, click here for a confidential, free sexual health consultation, screening and treatment.
