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The prevention and treatment of Sexually Transmitted Diseases is of the utmost importance in today's world. Prevention is forefront in the fight, and treatment and education is the backbone of this worldwide effort. Transmission statistics are grim indeed. The prevalence of these diseases in developing nations where appropriate treatment and education is difficult to provide due to social stigma and government indifference is staggering. In nations such as the US and UK where treatment is available and education prevalent the numbers have improved yet improvement is still vital. What needs to be done to stem this tide of the serious and even life threatening spread of these diseases?

Teaching and modeling responsible sexual behavior is paramount. The spread of HPV infections in the US is highest in females aged 15-24 who are sexually active and drop significantly after age 25. We must reach our young people as they are at highest risk. This education must start at home. While schools and physicians are essential, the real education and ability to intervene must start at a young age. Open and non judgmental discussions regarding human sexuality and behavior must be the norm instead of the exception.

Use of condoms must be encouraged in all age groups. While the options for effective birth control are easily accessible and improving all the time, condom use must be emphasized. Social mores must be challenged and a realistic view of the sexual behavior of teens young adults dealt with. While abstinence is the only sure way to prevent new infections, proper use of a condom during every sexual act must be stressed.

Testing must be seen as an empowering act instead of a frightening one, the perception must change. In the case of STD's ignorance is not bliss. Chlamydia and Gonorrhea untreated lead to sterility and Pelvic Inflammatory Disease, HPV to cervical cancer, and HIV/AIDS eventually to death. Access to testing needs to be available and encouraged as a part of regular health maintenance. Physicians can and do lead the way, but public education and government support is a necessary element as well.

Treatment for many of these diseases is prescribed antibiotic injections or other oral medication in many cases only a single dose is needed. In most areas of the United States treatment for these diseases is available at government clinics free of charge. A recent study by SUNY Health and Science Center at Brooklyn concluded only 60% of women reporting prior treatment for STD infections received any information on preventing reinfection during the course of treatment. We must do better.

In developing nations with no real medical infrastructure, wide spread drug distribution or public surveillance the incidence of infections are 20 times higher than those nations with these systems intact. The highest prevalence rates as of 2006 were in Sub Saharan African nations, Latin America, the Caribbean and South and Southeast Asia. The high incidence of STD rates is considered a leading indicator of poor health care infrastructure.

The battle against STD's is an ongoing one, and while much progress has been made there is no time for relaxing our efforts. Prevention education, testing and treatment must all be emphasized. Once diagnosed every effort must be made to stress the importance of avoiding reinfection and treatment of both partners is essential. With a strong alliance between parents, educators, government and the medical community continued progress can be made. A world wide effort by organizations such as the UN and the World Health Organization must be supported. Social and religious stigma must be overcome to provide life saving education on prevention, testing and treatment.

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