The florists have been stockpiling roses and the aisles of every store, from Walmart to Neiman Marcus, are extolling chocolates and other merchandise so you can give the one you love something special for Valentine's Day.

This is for all my single girlfriends out there. Don't come home with something 'special' that you're going to need me to resolve as your OB/GYN.

I'm talking STDs. 

Here are the three most important questions to ask your date on Valentine's Day.

1. What can you tell me about any new sex partners you've had since your last Valentine's Day?
2. What's your experience with using condoms?
3. Have you ever had a sore or scab on your penis?

I'm just saying. Here are the top three risk among sexually transmitted disease:

Herpes

Herpes is a chronic, life-long viral infection that can be caused by Herpes Simplex Virus-1 (HSV-1) and Herpes Simplex Virus-2 (HSV-2). Contrary to popular belief, both types of the virus have been identified as causing genital herpes. Does knowing that at least 50 million people in the United States are infected with HSV-2 do anything for your spontaneity? Please know, too, that most persons infected with HSV-2 have not been diagnosed with genital herpes. Most cases are mild or even unrecognized infections. However, viral shedding occurs intermittently in the genital tract. This creates a situation which results in the majority of genital herpes infections being transmitted by persons who are unaware of their condition.

Syphilis

You may have thought that syphilis was a disease that only pirates and rock stars contracted. In reality, it's definitely still an issue among sexually active populations. In the United States, most young, sexually active people who have genital, anal or perianal ulcers have either genital herpes or syphilis.

Syphilis is a systemic disease that is considered moderately contagious. Approximately 3 to 10 percent of people contract the disease from a single sexual encounter with an infected partner. An individual can be considered contagious during several stages of syphilis. The current understanding of how syphilis is spread recognizes that latent syphilis is not transmitted sexually, but treatment is still required to prevent complications.

Chlamydia

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), chlamydial genital infection is the most frequently reported infectious disease in the United States, and its prevalence is highest in persons less than 25 years of age. The repurcussions of a chlamydial infection can involve pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), ectopic pregnancy (a pregnancy which grows outside of the uterus) and infertility. Asymptomatic infection is common among men and women.

Valentine's Day is more than a box of chocolates , it is a day which reminds us of the power of love. So enjoy the loving and be careful out there.

Some links for more information:

www.cdc.gov/std/syphilis

www.cdc.gov/std/chlamydia

http://www.cdc.gov/std/Herpes