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The number of Minnesotans infected with sexually transmitted diseases has been surging since 1996, showed the report released by the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) for National STD Awareness Month in April. The reportable sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in Minnesota are – Chlamydia, Gonorrhea and Syphilis.

The report titled as “Minnesota Department of Health's 2007 Sexually Transmitted Disease Statistics” articulated that the number of cases of STDs in 2006 was 16,428. The number surged to a new high of 17,057 in 2007. More than 17,000 people became infected with chlamydia, gonorrhea or syphilis in 2007. That's a 3.8 percent increase over 2006. Adolescents between the ages of 15 and 19 had some of the highest rates of STD and comprised the majority of chlamydia cases.

“The rate of chlamydia, which can cause infertility, has more than doubled in the past 12 years and is the driving force behind these record number of STD cases. Chlamydia accounted for more than three-fourths of the total number of cases,” Peter Carr, director of the STD and HIV Section at MDH, said.

Minnesota Health Officials reported that among the 13,412-chlamydia cases, nearly 70 percent occurred in teens and young adults ages 15 to 24. Rates remain elevated among communities of color. The greatest increases for chlamydia, compared to 2006 data, have been in Greater Minnesota with an 8 percent increase, and in Twin City suburbs with a 4 percent increase.

STD means Sexually Transmitted Disease or Venereal disease which is caused due to the sexual contact including vaginal intercourse, oral sex and anal sex among humans and animals. Adolescents and young adults are at higher risk for getting Sexually transmitted disease. There are many grievous forms of STDs, such as AIDS/HIV, Herpes Virus, Syphilis, Trichomoniasis, Pubic Lice and granuloma inquinale and Chancroid.

HIV/AIDS: Human Immunodeficiency virus or Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome is one of very harmful and fatal forms of STD. It occurs mainly through unprotected vaginal or anal sex, through breast milk, and sharing drug needles with an infected person. More than 40 million people worldwide are infected with the HIV virus; 50% women out of those infected. HIV virus doesn’t show symptoms for the first few years. Therefore HIV testing is the only way to know if you are infected. The symptoms which can be seen in a person who is suffering from HIV virus are high flu, swollen lymph glands, headaches, muscle aches, fatigue and fever. So to prevent HIV, you must have monogamous relationship with someone who is free of the HIV virus, always use condom for doing sex and avoid using sharing needles.

Herpes Virus: Herpes is another non curable STD. It occurs through direct skin to skin contact. The symptoms of Herpes Virus are red, sensitive skin that develops sores or blisters, swollen lymph glands in the groin, Headaches, Muscle aches, Fever and Lower back pain. There is no herpes cure. There are certain herpes medications which can shorten the length of the herpes outbreak and ease the discomfort of your symptom.