Chlamydia is the most common bacterial sexually transmitted infection in the U.S. It is frequently diagnosed in 15-24 year olds.  

Symptoms: Males: Infected men commonly have no symptoms. If symptoms are present, there is often watery or milky discharge from the penis and a burning sensation upon urination. Females: Infected women commonly show no symptoms. If symptoms are present, there is most often vaginal discharge and/or bleeding, low abdominal pain and painful urination. Rectal: Pain, itching and discharge with blood or pus.

Treatment: Curable with antibiotic therapy-if not treated can cause serious health problems.

Gonorrhea is most common in people ages 15 to 24. Many of those infected with gonorrhea also have chlamydia. It is caused by a bacterium known as Neisseria Gonorrhoeae.

Symptoms: Males: Most infected men have symptoms which can include a milky discharge from the penis and burning sensation upon urination. Females: Most women have no symptoms. If symptoms are present, there is vaginal discharge and/or bleeding, low abdominal pain and/or painful urination. Rectal: Itching, pain and discharge with blood or pus. Oral: Sore throat, swollen glands.

Treatment: Curable with antibiotic therapy- if not treated can cause serious health problems.

HIV is a viral disease that can be transmitted: sexually; from an infected mother to her infant before or at the time of birth; or through direct exposure to blood, blood products or breast milk. HIV causes progressive damage to the immune system.

Symptoms: Usually none for several years after HIV infection, although some patients develop flu-like symptoms and a rash shortly after being infected.

Treatment: No known cure. Antiretroviral therapy can delay development of the disease and decrease the chance of transmission.

For more information: www.hiv.gov

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by bacteria. Syphilis is transmitted from person to person by direct contact with a syphilis sore.

Symptoms: A single or multiple painless sores mark the primary stage of symptoms. Skin rashes and/or sores in the mouth, vagina, or anus mark the secondary stage of symptoms.

Treatment: Syphilis is simple to cure with appropriate antibiotics from a physician. Treatment will kill the syphilis bacteria and prevent further damage, but it will not repair damage already done.

Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by a parasite. The parasite is passed from an infected person to an uninfected person during sex.

Symptoms: Males: May feel itching or irritation inside the penis, burning after urination or ejaculation, or have discharge from the penis. Females: May notice burning, redness or soreness of the genitals, discomfort with urination, or a thin discharge with an unusual smell that may be clear, white, yellowish or greenish.

Treatment: A single dose of prescription antibiotic medication. Pills can be taken by mouth.