St. Joseph's Healthcare System

STDs most frequently occur in patients between the ages of 15 and 24. The most common sexually transmitted diseases are the human papilloma virus, Chlamydia, gonorrhea, genital herpes, pelvic inflammatory disease, human immunodeficiency virus, syphilis, hepatitis A and hepatitis B. Untreated Chlamydia can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease leading to infertility and chronic pelvic pain. Human Papilloma Virus causes genital warts and cervical cancer. Risk factors include young age, unmarried status, new sexual partners, multiple sexual partners, history of STDs, residence in an urban area, African American race, illicit drug use, meeting partners on the internet, or admission to a correctional facility or Juvenile Detention Center. The only way to 100% prevent an STD is abstinence allowing a person to gain age and maturity before involving themselves in intimate relationships. There are vaccines available for Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and the Human Papilloma Virus. Knowing your partner well before becoming involved and testing yourself prior to activity are good strategies to prevent an STD.