Facts about STDs

How much do you really know about Sexually Transmitted Diseases?

~ Do you know that condoms don't protect against many STDs?

~ Do you know that in the 60's there were only 2 known sexually transmitted diseases?

~ Do you know that now there are 30 sexually transmitted diseases?

~ Do you know that HPV, one of the most common STDs, causes cervical cancer?

"Five of the 11 most common reportable infectious diseases in this country in 1998, the last year for which data are available, were STIs [sexually transmitted infections]: Chlamydia (#1), Gonorrhea (#2), AIDS (#3), Syphilis (#4), and Hepatitis B (#10). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) does not collect data on other common diseases, such as herpes and human papillomavirus (HPV).

However, a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine estimated that 20 percent of all Americans age 12 and over are infected with genital herpes. And HPV is the most prevalent viral STI. It causes over 90 percent of cancer and precancer of the cervix."

Source:
Medical Institute of Sexual Health (www.medinstitute.org)

Casual sex is not a game. It's a risky behavior.

The more times you have sex and the more partners you have, the greater the risk.

No longer is there just the fear of an unwanted pregnancy, but you are at risk of contracting a life-changing and even life-threatening sexually transmitted disease.

The "Safe Sex" message you've been hearing isn't safe at all. Safer - maybe, but not safe!

VISIT http://www.standupgirl.com/index_main.html FOR MORE INFORMATION.

This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional medical advice.