Sex is great -no one is going to argue with that. On the flipside, it can also be quite an awful experience when you deal with the aftermath of an STD like Herpes, Syphilis, Gonorrhea, Chlamydia or worse HIV. In this day and age anyone can catch an STD. If you are young, sexually active, have several sex partners and are having unprotected sex chances are high you will get an STD. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that approximately 19 million new STD infections occur each year.

The problem with detecting STDs is that you can't tell whether someone has an infection. However, an individual can look out for some symptoms that are commonly associated with STDs. The Top 10 STD symptoms to look out for are:

1. A change in the normal discharge from the vagina or penis.
2. Sores, warts or blisters near the vagina, penis, anus, mouth, hands or other parts that may have come into contact with an infected partner.
3. A burning, painful feeling when urinating.
4. Pain when having sex.
5. Unusual odors or body odors in urine.
6. Fever, nausea, headaches, lethargy, unusual infections, unexplained fatigue, night sweats and weight loss.
7. Pain in the abdomen particularly in the lower abdominal region.
8. Visible parasites
9. Skin discoloration or unusual bruising
10. Pain in the pelvic area

It is important to note that not all of these symptoms are necessarily connected to STDs. However, if you are sexually active, do not practice safe sex and you have any of these symptoms, chances are you might have picked up an infection. In this case, have yourself checked and get an accurate diagnosis.

Prevention is always better than cure. It's a lot cheaper, too. A box of condoms and practicing safe sex can save you all the worries and the costs involved from STD infection.