Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD"s) refer to many diseases and symptoms that are transmitted through the exchange of bodily fluids, such as: semen, vaginal fluid and blood. A few STD"s, such as Herpes and Human Papillomavirus (HPV), can be received by kissing and caressing, or direct contact with the infected areas.

             Most STD"s can be treated; however, if they are not treated or treated incorrectly they might have serious, long-term consequences. These consequences include sterility, chronic infection, scarring of a woman"s fallopian tubes, ectopic (tubal) pregnancy, cancer, and even death. .

             STD"s can affect anyone. Age, gender, ethnic background, size, etc. does not matter. STD"s usually affect one in four sexually active people at some time. Nearly 65% of all those people are under the age of 25. The most common STD"s on college campuses now are chlamydia, genital herpes, and genital warts. .

             Number of STD Infections Each Year in the United States:.

              Chlamydia 4,000,000.

              Gonorrhea 1,300,000.

              Genital Herpes 200,000 – 500,000.

              Hepatitis B 275,000 – 375,000.

              HPV 500,000 – 1,000,000.

              HIV 80,000.

              Syphilis 134,000.

             For some sexually transmitted diseases, such as chlamydia, people experience no symptoms. This may result in the transmission of the disease to others without knowing it. There are symptoms and signs that you may have a STD though. .

             Common STD Symptoms:.

             For Women: an unusual discharge or odor from the vagina, pain in the pelvic area, burning or itching around the vagina, unusual bleeding (other than the menstrual cycle), or vaginal pain during intercourse.

             For Men: a discharge from the penis.

             For Both: sores, bumps or blisters near the mouth or genitals, burning and pain during urination or a bowel movement, flu-like feelings (fever, chills, aches), swelling in groin area, and persistent swelling or redness in the throat for 3 or more weeks.