STD's are sexually transmitted diseases. This term commonly refers to any disease that is transmitted through sexual contact. There are several STD's that people can contract. Those most commonly thought of are AIDS, herpes, chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and HPV. AIDS is perhaps the most feared of all of the STD's due to its fatality rate. AIDS is a disease caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus, or HIV. AIDS is an acronym for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. The virus that causes AIDS is spread through contact with bodily fluids, such as blood or the fluids present during sex. People do not die from AIDS, but rather from its effects on the immune system. AIDS weakens the immune system, making it difficult for the body to fight infections which are normally easily controlled. Most common illnesses can become fatal for the person with AIDS. There is no current cure for AIDS, and you cannot know if you have it or not unless you have a blood test. This AIDS test will show whether or not HIV is present in the blood, and then a physician will evaluate the rest of the patient’s health symptoms to determine if AIDS has developed. Herpes is an annoying, but non-life threatening STD. Herpes is also caused by a virus, and it can cause sores and lesions on the genitals or in the mouth. Herpes can be a mild condition, which is why it is easily spread. Many people do not know they are infected with herpes, and they spread it to their partners during sex. Oral herpes is the virus that causes cold sores and can be transmitted to the genitals during oral sex. Herpes has no effect on the immune system. Chlamydia is a STD caused by bacteria that attacks the mucous membranes in the vaginal area. It can also be present in men in their anus and rectum. Since chlamydia is caused by bacteria, it can be treated if it is found. However, many patients do not realize they are infected. In fact three-fourths of the women and half of the men infected with chlamydia do not know they have the disease. The best way to discover a chlamydia infection is through yearly physical exams. If a patient suspects they are infected, a urine sample can be tested to determine if the bacteria is present. Chlamydia can cause infertility. Gonorrhea is another STD that is caused by a bacteria. Most women who have the condition do not have symptoms, but most med do. Pain, swelling, and burning when urinating are the symptoms of gonorrhea. Also, a yellow, bloody discharge may be present. Gonorrhea acts and is treated in the same way as chlamydia. Syphilis, another bacterial infection, is also transmitted through contact during sex. It progresses through four stages, and if it is not cured in the early stages of the disease, serious complications develop that cannot be reversed or cured. It usually shows itself in the primary stage as a single sore, usually in the genital area, called a chancre. As syphilis advances, it can cause heart problems and nervous system damage if left untreated. HPV, or Human Papillomavirus, has recently been in the headlines. This STD is the virus that is linked to cervical cancer. HPV actually causes warts, and when they are present in the genitals, it is considered an STD. There is a new vaccine that adolescent girls can take to prevent HPV infection. However, for most people an HPV infection is not dangerous. A yearly Pap test in women can test for this virus.