Herpes (HSV) and HPV (genital warts) are contacted by skin-to-skin contact and condoms may reduce the
risk, but are not effective protection. The CDC estimates that 16% (about 1 in 6 people) of the population of the United States
between the ages of 16-49 is infected with genital herpes [1], at least 50% HPV, with an additional 6 million Americans infected annually[2].
To decrease risk of infection, the CDC recommends, in addition to abstinence, monogamy or
safer sex practices, increased access to individual or small group behavioral interventions, especially those that are designed for
higher risk groups: adolescents, men who have sex with men, and African-Americans [3].
Gonorrhea,
chlamydia and syphilis can cause vague symptoms or be asymptomatic [3]. The lack of definitive symptoms for many STIs can make
recognition difficult and leave many cases undiagnosed [3].
Undiagnosed and untreated,
the long term consequences of syphilis can include stillbirth or neurological problems in babies born from infected mothers, organ
damage including brain, liver, nerves, bones, eyes, and joints which can all lead to coordination difficulties, numbness, paralysis,
blindness, and dementia [3].
Gonorrhea or chlamydia left untreated may develop into epididymitis
or, in 10-20% of cases, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) which can result in infertility, ectopic pregnancy and chronic pelvic pain[3].
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates a minimum of 24,000 women become infertile
due to untreated STIs each year [3].
People who are infected with gonorrhea, chlamydia
or syphilis are two to five times more likely to contract HIV than an uninfected person with the same exposure [3].
The CDC estimates that STIs cost to the United States healthcare system may be as much as 15.9 billion dollars annually [3].