Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are on the rise globally. Regard- less of advances in science, technology, or pharmaceuticals, an estimated 19.7 million STDs are diagnosed each year in the United States alone. This translates, then, to mean that approximately 1 out of 4 teens will contract an STD, or 1 out of 2 sexually active persons, overall, will con- tract an STD by age 25. These staggering statistics, then, demonstrate the need for the development of targeted tactics to reduce the overall incidence and prevalence of STDs internationally. Education has been highlighted as a key strategy toward reducing, or eliminating, STDs. In the modern age, the explosion of information available on the Internet has been both a benefit and a hindrance to combatting STDs. On one hand, there is an abundance of information available if one were to explore an STD or a set of specific symptoms. Conversely, not all the information on the Internet is factual, accurate, or applicable to specific diseases or symptoms. Further, the suggestions for care, treatment, or prevention are often vague, doing little to reduce the fear or stigma associated with actual or potential STDs. The purpose of this book, then, is to provide information, and educa- tion, in a simple format regarding each of the individual STDs, their signs or symptoms, and potential treatment plan. STDs carry an unnecessary fear or stigma for the person, or partner(s), impacted by one. The time has arrived to abolish those sentiments and refocus the emphasis of STDs Introduction
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