The numbers may surprise you. STIs are far more common than most people realize. Here are the facts.
Nearly 68 million Americans are currently living with an STI. There is no shame in getting tested -- it is one of the most responsible things you can do for your health.
People ages 15-24 account for about half of all new STI cases each year, even though they represent only about a quarter of the sexually active population.
Many STIs, including chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and trichomoniasis, are easily curable with antibiotics. Others like HIV and herpes are highly manageable with modern treatment.
Left untreated, STIs can cause infertility, chronic pelvic pain, increased risk of certain cancers, and serious complications during pregnancy including premature birth and health problems for the baby.
While condoms significantly reduce the risk of many STIs, they do not provide 100% protection. STIs like herpes, HPV, and syphilis can spread through skin-to-skin contact in areas not covered by a condom.
This is perhaps the most important fact: you can look and feel perfectly healthy and still have an STI. The only way to know your status for certain is through testing.
Understanding the facts about STIs helps you make informed decisions about your health. Early detection through regular testing leads to better outcomes and protects both you and your partners.