STDs – What They Are & Who Gets Them

STDs – What They Are & Who Gets Them Tampa FLAccording to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the number of reported cases of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) has reached an all-time high – nearly 20 million new infections are estimated to occur each year. Perhaps even more troubling, many people have STDs that go undiagnosed and untreated.

The most common STDs are chlamydia, human papillomavirus (HPV), gonorrhea, herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2), syphilis, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). While all of these infections can be spread through vaginal, oral, or anal intercourse, some can also be transmitted through close skin-to-skin contact, even if no intercourse occurs. Many STDs are silent, which means they don’t cause any noticeable symptoms. Even so, silent STDs are still easily spread – it is possible to become infected by a person who is completely unaware that he or she has an STD.

Who Gets STDs?

STDs can – and do – affect people of all ages. However, the CDC reports that approximately half of all newly reported STD cases affect people between the ages of 15 and 24. In fact, the peak time for acquiring a chlamydia or HPV infection is shortly after becoming sexually active, while gonorrhea and genital herpes are most common among people who are in their late twenties and early thirties.

The only way to reduce the risk of STDs to zero is to abstain from all sexual contact. But, the following protective measures can be very effective as well:

  • Having only one sexual partner, and ensuring that person is monogamous, too. As a general rule, more partners means higher risk.
  • Properly using a condom during every sexual activity.
  • Getting vaccinated against HPV and hepatitis B.

Who Should Be Tested for STDs?

Anyone who is sexually active should be regularly tested for STDs. The most appropriate type and frequency of STD testing can vary among individuals based on their risk of infection. Testing for chlamydia and gonorrhea involves collecting either a urine sample or a swab from the vagina or penis. For other STDs, including HIV, syphilis, and genital herpes, blood testing is most accurate. To test for HPV, a sample of cervical or anal cells must be collected.

Where Is STD Testing Available?

A family doctor or OB/GYN can perform STD testing. Other options include specialized STD or sexual health clinics. In Tampa, FL, fast, accurate, and confidential STD testing is available on a walk-in basis at South Tampa Immediate Care. If you have questions or would like to be tested, stop by today.