Newbie here. There seems to be a lot of conversation about HIV and none of the other STDs. Remarkably, HIV/antiviral specific drugs have advanced so much that HIV has become more of a chronic disease rather than the killer it once was. Not to say that it isn't still dangerous, but it's still important to remember some of the other biggies:
Herpes -
- no cure, no real treatment, may cause birth defects in offspring, only way to avoid is NOT HAVING SEX
http://www.cdc.gov/STD/herpes/STDFact-Herpes.htm
HPV -
- no cure (some vaccines available but nothing definitive for men), may cause certain cancers in women, no real visible symptoms so tough to diagnose especially in men, skin on skin contact is all that's required to transmit, and again this means NOT HAVING SEX
Hepatitis C -
- no vaccine, but thankfully not as easily transmitted than the above (requires blood and/or sexual fluids)
Thankfully, most of the other more common STDs can be treated and diagnosed quickly, so remember to get tested regularly guys if you are punting. Happy hunting
