Sexually Transmitted Diseases/Sexually Transmitted Infections

• There are more than 30 identified STDs/STIs and many are silent

• STDs/STIs are the most common infection other than colds and the flu

• The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports: the two most common STDs are gonorrhea and Chlamydia (aka “The Fertility Thief”) with the most reported cases in girls ages 15 to 19; following closely are the reported cases in women 20 to 24

• CDC estimates that undiagnosed and untreated STDs cause at least 24,000 women in the United States each year to become infertile

• CDC estimates that there are approximately 19 million new STD infections each year, almost half of them among young people 15 to 24 years of age. (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.)

• A study presented in 2008 revealed that around 26% of young American women aged 14-19 (approximately 3.2 million) are infected with at least one of the four most common sexually transmitted infections (Nationally Representative CDC Study Finds 1 in 4 Teenage Girls Has a Sexually Transmitted Disease http://www.cdc.gov/stdconference/2008/media/release-11march2008.htm, CDC Press Release, 11 March 2008)

How do you get a STD/STI?
• STDs/STIs are passed from an infected person to another during oral, anal, or vaginal sexual activity

• Some STDs/STIs may be passed even if intercourse does not occur

Are YOU at risk for a STD/STI?
www.stdwizard.org http://www.stdwizard.org/

How are STDs/STIs prevented?
• The only guaranteed method of preventing STDs/STIs is abstinence until you are in a
  committed monogamous relationship with an uninfected partner
*Although, Central Michigan Pregnancy Services does not currently provide STD/STI testing,
  more information on STDs/STIs is available upon request