There are more than 25 different types of germs that can be transmitted through sexual contact. Anyone who is sexually active can get an STD. You can become infected through anal, oral, and vaginal sex.

You can be infected with an STD and not see any symptoms. You may not even feel like you are sick.

Bacteria cause some STDs and viruses cause others. STDs caused by bacteria are curable and treatable. However, if left untreated, even sexually transmitted diseases that are curable can do serious damage to your body. Sexually transmitted diseases caused by viruses are not curable and remain in your body, but treatments are available to minimize or relieve symptoms.

There are five reportable sexually transmitted diseases in Missouri chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, HIV and chancroid. The St. Louis County Health Department STD clinics screen for these diseases free of charge.

• Approximately 19 million new STD infections occur each year in the U.S.
  
• The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends yearly Chlamydia screening for sexually active women ages 25 and younger.
  
• Anyone having sexual activity can acquire a sexually transmitted disease.
  
• You acquire an STD from someone else who is infected.
  
• Many sexually transmitted diseases show no signs or symptoms.
  
• You can get an STD from having unprotected oral sex.
  
• One in four sexually active people has an STD.
  
• Abstinence is the only 100% effective method of preventing STDs.
  
• Infertility is a complication of having an STD.
  
• Each STD requires different medication.
  
• Minors can receive free and confidential testing for any STD.
  
• You must take all your medication to completely rid your body of an infection.
  
• HIV is spread by infected blood products, having sex, sharing needles, and IV drug use.