There is so much information on prevention. I understand not taking a chance but what are the true odds of getting an STD? What are the real chances of catching an STD? Do you really think that many people have an STD or do you think it is unlikely?

More people have (or have had) an STD than you may realize. And contrary to popular belief, some absolutely are contractable w/out any form of sexual contact. There are bacterial and viral forms and the organisms responsible for some STDs (for example, HIV and hepatitis viruses) can be transmitted through nonsexual means, such as from mother to child at birth or through breastfeeding or exposure to contaminated food, water, blood, medical instruments, or needles. Some viral forms (Herpes inparticular) can remain viable on toilet seats, towels, or anyplace that maintains moisture.

As for statistics, it is estimated that over 3 million people contract gonorrhea and chlamydia every year in ths US. Merk Manual

I have heard the same as Georgia said. It is now, in my experience, routine to be checked for STDs when you have prenatal visits, because the incidence is so high, even if you don't "sleep around".

As for catching them through actual sex, as they say, when you sleep with someone, you are sleeping with every person they ever slept with, and every person those people ever slept with, etc... . It only takes one exposure. Even without actual penetration, many diseases can be spread (not to be graphic, but imagine genital warts with oral sex, for example).

No kidding. I'm very aware of the risk factor of STD's. As clean of an appearance someone may be. You just never know. I always keep in my mind that I got a 1 and 3 chance of getting an STD. I have 1 new sexual partner every month and a half. The rest are for a lack of better terms a "bootycall".
I always wear protection and try to get checked no matter what 4 times a year, unless I feel something is abnormal.
I have had an STD on 3 diffrent ocassions. It wasn't serious Just the drip. So it got taken care of.
STD's are very serious, so if you sleep around I strongly reccomend taking big precautions and getting checked regularly.

The problem with this kind of disease is that not everyone who has them has been diagnosed. So, take the statistics and exagerate them and you may find a more accurate number!