[The facts in these pages are presented for informational purposes only, and not for the purposes of recognizing or treating disease. If you are looking for accurate medical advice, or suspect you might have an STD, visit a health care professional]. Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), or sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are diseases which are passed from person to person through intimate physical contact, including sexual intercourse. Given that several of the most common sexually transmitted viruses have little to no signs or symptoms, it is more accurate to refer to them as infections rather than diseases. Additionally, the use of STI instead of STD reflects the reality that not all sexually transmitted infections turn into a disease. STDs are prevalent in all communities, and are serious health problems. STDs occur most commonly in sexually active teenagers and young adults, especially those with multiple intimate partners. Here are some statistics for Alberta. STDs are becoming more and more common; tis article was written in 2005 when, by the age of 21, almost 20% of all North Americans will need treatment for an STD. STDs are more than an embarrassment; they can be a serious problem. If untreated, some of these diseases can cause permanent damage, such as infertility, and even death. One reason STDs spread is because of the mistaken belief that a person must have sexual intercourse to become infected. That isn't true. A person can get some STDs, like herpes or genital warts, through skin-to-skin contact with an infected area or sore. The viruses or bacteria that cause some STDs can also enter the body through tiny cuts anywhere on the body, including the mouth. Condoms (either male or female) protect only the genital areas. These diseases also spread easily because, in many cases, you can't tell if a person has the disease. In fact, some people with STDs don't even know that they have them; the symptoms remain hidden. There may be no way to tell if the person you are intimate with has one of these diseases. A person's chance of getting an STD are increased with: Sexual activity at a young age. (The younger a person starts, the greater the chance of becoming infected). Intimate contact with many different people. Unprotected sex. A sexually transmitted disease is one caused by a virus, bacterium, parasite or fungus that is spread from person to person through sexual or intimate contact. The germs cannot be spread through contact with inanimate objects, like toilet seats, eating utensils, or swimming pools. STDs can be painful, debilitating, and even life threatening. At least twenty sexually transmitted diseases have been identified. A person infected with an STD is more likely to become infected with HIV. Infections can be passed on to a baby during pregnancy or childbirth, sometimes resulting in birth defects or infant death. Not all genital infections are caused by STDs. It's important to see a doctor if you have questions about your health. The only way to completely prevent STDs is to abstain from all types of intimate and sexual contact. Have a look at the information contained in the pages below. CHLAMYDIA | TRICHOMONAS | VAGINAL YEAST | HERPES | SYPHILIS GONORRHEA | GENITAL WARTS | LICE & CRABS | SCABIES | HEPATITIS | HIV/AIDS [Vaginal yeast infections are not considered to be STD's, but are included here because some symptoms are similar]. These pages should have given you something to think about. Here's something else. Resources