What you need to know about STDs

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in the United States hit a record high in 2017, a discouraging trend after decades of decline. Health data in Texas, shows that STD cases are following national trends. 2017 was the fourth straight year of increases, with 2.3 million reported cases of chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis.

It is very important to be responsible for your sexual health and to get tested for STDs any time you are starting a new relationship, are concerned that your current relationship has been exposed, or if you are having casual sex.

The two most common STDs you should be tested for are chlamydia and gonorrhea. Chlamydia is the most commonly reported STD in the United States, and gonorrhea is a close second. What’s worse, they can both be asymptomatic, are both on the rise, and when left untreated, both can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease, which can cause infertility.