The costs of dealing with these diseases runs into the billions of dollars annually. Doctors have identified more than 30 individual STDs. Though each STD is unique, many share similar symptoms. They can be painful, irritating, debilitating or, if untreated, fatal. Others may have few identifiable symptoms, and the victims may be unaware that they are infected.
Many infected persons resist seeking treatment for their STDs because of ignorance, shame or guilt.
Many others are reluctant to inform their sex partners that they, too, may be infected because of anxiety and fear that the revelation will damage their reputation or relationship. This is unfortunate, even tragic, as nearly all STDs can be cured through timely diagnosis and proper medical treatment. Those few for which no immediate or complete cure is known usually can be controlled through medication and preventative measures. STDs are most common among sexually active teenagers and young adults, particularly those who have multiple sex partners. But no one is immune to STDs.