A recent syphilis outbreak among gay men in the county has raised concerns about STDs, particularly for teenagers who are becoming sexually active. About 1 million people contract herpes each year, and the American Social Health Association estimates that as much as 25 percent of all teenagers will contract some kind of disease, often without realizing it. Most STDs do not have symptoms but can cause serious complications like cancer. Even couples in monogamous relationships can be at risk because of a past relationship.
Doctors warn against becoming complacent regarding STDs and sexual health.
They note that just because there are some treatments for these diseases does not replace the need for prevention.