The rate of sexually transmitted diseases in the United States is at a record high for the fourth year in a row, and health officials are concerned about what is turning out to be a steep and sustained increase. Elizabeth Asiago-Reddy, MD, emphasizes that condoms can prevent the transmission of gonorrhea, syphilis, chlamydia and other STDs and that being tested is important, so that any infection can be treated. Asiago-Reddy, an assistant professor of medicine with expertise in infectious diseases, also goes over the symptoms, risks and treatments for STDs and how to get tested in Onondaga County (for more information on testing, click here or call 315-435-3236). She also works at the Onondaga County STD Center, which is in the basement of the Mulroy Civic Center in Syracuse and offers free, confidential STD testing and treatment on a walk-in basis.