Occurrence of STDs Growing

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, NC- Chlamydia and gonorrhea affect 4-5 million sexually active Americans every year and the number is growing. April was National STD Awareness Month, and the American Social Health Association (ASHA) encouraged all sexually active people to get tested. Testing can be done through a variety of methods. Some tests use swabs to collect bodily fluid. Becton Dickinson offers a test using a urine sample and a biotechnological diagnostic system. Once diagnosed, chlamydia and gonorrhea are easily treatable. The big scare with chlamydia, the most common bacterial STD, is it does not have any discernable symptoms. ASHA President and Chief Executive Officer Linda L. Alexander says, "When you have a cold, your nose runs. When you have an allergic response to poison ivy, you itch. But you can have chlamydia and feel fine." If untreated, chlamydia can lead to infertility.