zzz     Chlamydia is the most widespread bacterial sexually transmitted disease today. It is especially dangerous for women because it can damage the reproductive organs to a point where they become infertile (unable to get pregnant and have children). Untreated, chlamydia can cause scarring of the reproductive organs. This can increase the likelihood of the life-threatening condition known as tubal pregnancy. Chlamydia, if untreated, can also cause scarring within a man’s reproductive organs, leading to sterility. Many cases go undetected since three out of four women and one out of two men infected with chlamydia have no symptoms and may not seek testing until it is too late.   Gonorrhea is a bacterial infection that can affect the sexual organs, throat, rectum and other parts of the body, including the eyes and joints. Arthritis and swelling of the joints sometimes result. In four out of 10 men and nearly eight out of 10 women who are infected with gonorrhea, there are no obvious symptoms.   Syphilis is a very dangerous sexually transmitted disease. Although it is less commonly reported than chlamydia or gonorrhea, it is totally curable. Syphilis spreads through contact with an affected sore, much like herpes. Initially, symptoms of syphilis are often mistaken for common herpes. That is why syphilis has been called “the great pretender.” Because of this, for those at high risk for syphilis it is recommended to get screened regularly, since all it takes is a simple blood test. This is critical, since left untreated, syphilis can lead to blindness, dementia and even death.   Vaginal sex Anal sex Oral sex Infected mother to her newborn   The good news is, all STDs are largely preventable, and that’s why you should always use a latex condom if you choose to have sex. If you have had sex without using a condom, you should be tested for STDs since most cases do not show symptoms. To learn more about STD prevention, treatment and testing, visit www.WrapTestTreat.com.