The STDs Most People Don’t Know About

You’ve heard of the usual suspects: gonorrhea, chlamydia, herpes, and HPV (which can cause cervical cancer). But chances are, you’re not all that familiar with some of the lesser-known sexually transmitted diseases out there. And neither were we, so we did some digging. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are an estimated 20 million new STD infections in the U.S. each year. Although certain groups may be more prone to STDs than others, such as adolescents and young adults, anyone who’s sexually active can contract one. Your high school health teacher wasn’t lying when he said abstinence was the only real way to prevent STDs. 

Well, a lot has changed since you’ve hung up your varsity jersey and made your way into full-fledged adulthood. The days of blaming any sexual mishap on your teenage hormones are long gone. As an adult, it’s your responsibility to not only practice safe sex, but to be aware of all the consequences you might face.Though it can be scary, if you notice anything out of the ordinary down there, don’t be too quick to discount the possibility that you got something through sexual activity. Here are four STDs most people don’t know about, but should. Read more