• The U.S. has the highest rate of sexually transmitted disease (STD) among industrialized countries
  
• 12 million Americans acquire a STD every year; 1 out of 3 Americans will acquire an STD in their lifetime
  
• Syphilis is a STD and is caused by a spirochete bacterium. Its initial symptoms are genital sores, but the sores go away without treatment and patients often don't realize they are infected. Six weeks to several months later, patients experience a rash, which fades if left untreated. The disease can recur, causing heart damage, blindness and, ultimately, dementia.

  [Note: In October 1999, Federal health officials announced they believe they can eliminate syphilis from the U.S. within five years. Only 6,993 cases were recorded in 1998, down from a peak of 50,578 in 1990.]

• HIV infection
  
• Congenital infection
  
• Cervical cancer
  
• systemic infection which can cause fetal death, low birthweight, congenital infection,premature birth

From a CDC-sponsored 1993 study which involved questionnaires sent to children in schools asking about drug use, alcohol, exercise, nutritional habits and sexual activity. There has been no such statewide survey done since 1993 because of controversy over asking sexuality questions.

Percentage of respondents who ever had sexual intercourse: