April is STD Awareness Month, an annual observance to raise public awareness about the impact of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) on the lives of Americans and the importance of individuals discussing sexual health with their health care providers and if sexually active, their partners.STDs are a major public health issue in the United States:
• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that there are approximately 19 million new cases of STDs each year, almost half of them among young people ages 15 to 24.
• STDs have an economic impact: direct medical costs associated with STDs in the U.S. are estimated at $15.3 billion annually.
• There are physical and psychological impacts. Untreated, some STDs can lead to serious health consequences, including infertility.
Many of those who are infected don't know it. Many STDs do not have any symptoms. The only way to know for sure whether you have an STD is to get tested.
(Citation: http://www.cdc.gov/Features/STDAwareness/)
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