There are more than 25 significant sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).  Every year, more than 15 million Americans get a new STD infection.  Every year, 4 million teenagers acquire an STD...that is 1 STD every 8 seconds.

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Is "safe sex" really safe?
NO!  The only "safe sex" is no sex until marriage.
The term "safe sex" or "safer sex" means the male uses a latex condom to reduce the risk of contracting a sexually transmitted disease.  A male condom is a soft, thin, flexible sheath, intended to capture and hold the semen of the male and to serve as a barrier to STDs.  However, because condoms are made of latex (rubber), they can break or slip off during intercourse.  Condoms are heat and cold sensitive and can weaken and deteriorate.  For condoms to be effective they must be used consistently and correctly.  They must be put on after erection but before genital contact, leave no trapped air, be withdrawn while still erect, and held onto during withdrawal. However, research indicates only 5-21% of couples in national surveys use condoms consitently and correctly.  The words "safe sex" are used so freely these days.

To learn more about a specific STD, click on the list below:

DISCLAIMER:  This is for informational use only and is not meant to be used for self-diagnosis or as a substitute for consultation with a health care provider.  If you have any questions about the diseases described here or think that you have a parasitic infection, consult a health care provider immediately.

Chlamydia
Gonorrhea
Syphilis
PID (pelvic inflammatory disease)
HPV
Genital Herpes
HIV
Hepatitis A, B, and C
Trichomoniasis
Body Lice (crabs)

For more information on STDs contact your local health department or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.