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About IDPH

Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD)

Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) are some of the most commonly reported diseases in the United States. It is estimated that there are almost 20 million new STD infections each year in the United States. Of these new infections, half are among young people age 15-24. Many STDs can be easily diagnosed and treated. It is common that many people will not have any symptoms when they are infected with an STD. This makes screening for STDs important to prevent serious health problems from untreated STD infections.
 
Ways to protect yourself from getting an STD are:

  • Abstinence
  • Using Condoms
  • Being in a Mutually Monogamous Relationship
  • Reducing your Number of Sex Partners 

If you have questions or would like to speak to a hotline resource counselor, please call the HIV/STD Hotline at 1-800-243-2437.