According to estimates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 20 million new sexually transmitted infections (STIs) occur each year in the United States. These infections are often called sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). If left untreated, they can cause severe health problems,
including:
infertility
cancer
blindness
organ damage
Unfortunately, many people don’t receive prompt treatment for STIs. Many STIs have no symptoms or very nonspecific symptoms, which can make them hard to notice. The stigma around STIs also discourages some people from getting tested. But testing is the only way to know for sure if you have an STI.