Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the world and the United States. Some health effects caused by HPV can be prevented by the HPV vaccines.
What is the most common STD?
The most common STD in the United States and the world is Human papillomavirus (HPV).
HPV that affects the genitals is very common. Approximately 79 million Americans are currently infected with HPV, with roughly 14 million people becoming newly infected each year.
It is estimated that 5.5 million women will be diagnosed with HPV this year. There is no concrete data on how many men are infected with HPV each year, however, it is estimated that 45,330 of the total number of cancers diagnosed on an annual basis are caused by the HPV according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Human papilloma virus (HPV) is a very common virus. HPV is so common that most men and women will be infected with virus at some point in their life.
There are 100 types of HPV that affect different parts of the body. There are 30 types of HPV which may affect the genitals — including the vulva, vagina, cervix, penis and scrotum — as well as the rectum and anus. Of those, about 14 types are considered “high risk,” for leading to cervical cancer.
The HPV vaccine is the most effective way of preventing HPV infection. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
HPV vaccination is recommended for all preteens (including girls and boys) at age 11–12 years. All preteens need HPV vaccination, so they are protected from HPV infections that can cause cancer later in life.
- Teens and young adults through age 26 years who didn’t start or finish the HPV vaccine series also need HPV vaccination.
CDC recommends that 11- to 12-year-olds receive two doses of HPV vaccine 6 to 12 months apart.
- The first dose is routinely recommended at age 11–12 years old; the series can be started at age 9 years.
- Only two doses are recommended if vaccination started at age 9 and through age 14.
Teens and young adults who start the series later, at ages 15 through 26 years, need three doses of HPV vaccine.
- Adolescents aged 9 through 14 years who have already received two doses of HPV vaccine less than 5 months apart will require a third dose.
- Three doses are recommended for people with weakened immune systems aged 9 through 26 years.
Vaccination is not recommended for everyone older than age 26 years. However, some adults age 27 through 45 years who are not already vaccinated may decide to get HPV vaccine after speaking with their doctor about their risk for new HPV infections and the possible benefits of vaccination. HPV vaccination in this age range provides less benefit, as more people have already been exposed to HPV.
Can you get an STD from kissing?
STDs that can be spread through kissing include:
Read: Can you get an STD from kissing?
Can you get an STD from a toilet seat?
No is the simple answer. You cannot get an STD from a toilet seat.
Sexually transmitted diseases are most commonly contracted through vaginal, anal and oral sex.
Most bacterial, viral and parasitic sexually transmitted diseases are passed from one person to another when the bacteria, virus or parasite enters your body through mucous membranes .
Mucous membranes is the term used to describe the type of skin that covers the mouth, genitals or anus.
Sexually transmitted diseases can be transmitted via:
- Genital to genital contact
- Skin to skin contact
- Oral to genital contact
Read: Can you get an STD from a toilet seat?
How likely is it to get an STD from a one night stand?
The chances of getting an STD from one unprotected encounter with a partner who is infected with syphilis, gonorrhea, or chlamydia are 30% according to Flo Health.
How likely it may be to get an STD from a one night stand largely depend on whether or not protection was used. It is always advisable to wear a condom.
Read: How to put on a condom
Resources
- Genital HPV Infection - Fact sheet - cdc.gov
- HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) - my.clevelandclinic.org
- Human papillomavirus (HPV) and cervical cancer - who.int
- Human papillomavirus: A hidden epidemic in the United States - prb.org
- How many cancers are linked to HPV each year? - cdc.gov
- Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccination: What Everyone Should Know - cdc.gov
- Can you get an STD from kissing? - stdwatch.com
- Can you get an STD from a toilet seat? - stdwatch.com
- How to put on a condom - stdwatch.com
