It’s unpleasant to say, but many teenage girls are keeping a dark secret. About 40% of sexually active teenage girls have had, or have, an STD (sexually transmitted disease). There can be serious consequences, including infertility. Some STDs prove fatal. And, of course, STDs are passed to new partners.
Every year, people between the ages of 15 and 24 account for almost 10 million newly-diagnosed cases of STDs. Although HIV is not in the news as it once was, many new cases, primarily among teenage boys, are discovered yearly. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) report that almost 20 million people are infected with an STD each year. Perhaps the most frightening fact is that one-half of all sexually active adults will have contracted an STD by their 25th birthday.
Most STDs Can Be Treated if Tested and Diagnosed
One of the reasons that so many people get an STD is that many people become infected and have no symptoms. The only way to be safe, and protect others, is STD Testing in Cincinnati OH, or elsewhere. All of the most common STDs can be treated, and most STDs can be cured. But, without testing, there is no treatment, and these diseases continue to spread.
HPV (Human Papillomavirus)
In the U.S., HPV is very common. There are over 40 different types, all of which are sexually transmitted. Usually, HPV has no symptoms, but it is easily cured. However, not all forms of HPV are harmless. Some cause persistent warts while other types of HPV cause cancer.
There are three vaccines which can protect someone from the cancers and genital warts caused by HPV. The CDC recommends that young women and men get vaccinated against this disease.
Chlamydia
The most-often reported STD is chlamydia. There may be mild symptoms, but many people become infected and don’t know it. Since chlamydia is a bacterial infection, it is treated with antibiotics. After treatment, retesting in three months is recommended.
Gonorrhea
Gonorrhea is also caused by bacteria. Men normally experience pain and burning, but most women do not. This STD can also be easily treated with antibiotics.
Eastside Urgent Care performs STD Testing in Cincinnati OH, and, if an STD is discovered, they can treat it. They are able to handle most emergency situations, but they are also the place to go for routine medical care. Visit ESUrgentCare.com to discover all of the services that are provided.
