Sanford Women's provides the support, education and a nurturing environment for every health decision your face. According to the American Social Health Organization, one out of four teens in the United States becomes infected with a sexually transmitted disease (STD) each year. By the age of 25, half of all sexually active young adults will get an STD. Protect yourself from STDs by knowing the facts.
Sexually transmitted diseases are infections that are spread primarily through person-to-person sexual contact. They are mainly spread by mucus membrane contact, skin-to-skin contact or body fluids. They can be either bacterial or viral or parasites. Parasite and bacterial STDs can be cured.
What Are the Symptoms of STDs?
Sometimes, there are no symptoms. If symptoms are present, they may include one or more of the following:
Bumps, sores or warts near the mouth, anus, penis or vagina
Swelling or redness near the penis or vagina
Skin rash
Painful urination
Discharge from the penis or vagina that is different (discharge may have an odor)
Vaginal bleeding especially with intercourse other than during a monthly period
Painful sex
Severe itching of the genitals