by Stefani Andrews

Created on: May 10, 2011   Last Updated: May 11, 2011

STDs, or sexually transmitted diseases, are considered medically some of the most difficult diseases to contract because of the extreme nature of the contact that is required.  But it is also true that STDs are becoming increasingly common, especially among women under the age of 30.  Most surprisingly it has been suggested that the largest growing population for STD infection is women over the age of 50.  It is also important to note that some STDs, which are incredibly common for women, are transmitted directly from a partner while others may be caused from sexual contact without your partner having any type of virus or bacteria.

Perhaps the most historically common STD for women is Chlamydia.  In women the bacteria will infect the cervix and can have no symptoms for a very long time after exposure, which means that the chances of unknowingly passing it on are very high.  The most common symptoms of chlamydia are pain during sex and an unusual discharge from the vagina.  Even if there are no symptoms it is important to get tested if it is believed there has been exposure since it can cause a lot of damage if left untreated.  This STD is easily treated with medication.

Another common STD of the bacterial kind is Gonorrhea.  It is typically similar to chlamydia in that it affects the same sexual areas and has the same effects if not treated.  Also like chlamydia, it can often show no symptoms or very few symptoms like pain during urination.  One of the most important things to mention is that gonorrhea can also be transmitted with oral sex, so don’t assume that it’s safe because gonorrhea of the throat can be very difficult to treat.

One of the more commonly overlooked STDs is Trichomoniasis. This is exceptionally common with sexually active women and is often mistaken for a simple yeast infection.  A lot of the symptoms are similar with a vaginal odor, vaginal discharge, pain during sex, and itching of the genital regions.  It is easy to understand why it gets mistaken for a yeast infection but needs to be treated.  Both partners always need to be treated if one has contracted trichomoniasis or the treated partner can get infected again until it is cleared up completely. 

A recent study by the CDC presented what is being called by medical professionals the fastest rising STD in the United States with HPV or Human Papilloma Virus.  An early study in 1997 indicated that almost

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