Protect Yourself Against STD
- Be careful when choosing your partners. Discuss STD's with your partner and know the history of your partner. If there is a high risk history with you or your partner, talk about the relationship and means of preventing future infections
- Know the signs and symptoms of STD's - rash a sore, redness or a discharge. Do Not have sex if you see anything you are worried about.
- Remember people with AIDS often have no signs or symptoms of illness.
- Don't have sex when you are drunk or high. Don't have clouded judgment when participating in sex.
- Get checked for STD's every time you have a health exam.
- Women often have no signs or symptoms of a STD. If you have more than one partner, you may need a regular STD checkup every six months.
- If you have a STD, you and your partner(s) must be treated at the same time.
ALWAYS PRACTICE SAFE SEX & PROTECT YOURSELF!
What is a Sexually Transmitted Disease?
Sexually transmitted diseases or STD's are infections of the sexual and reproductive organs. They are spread from person to person by close physical contact during vaginal, anal and oral sex. A STD used to be called VD or venereal disease. STD germs need to live in warm, moist places. That is why they infect the sexual organs, the rectum and the mouth. There are many kinds of STD's, the most common being chlamydia and gonorrhea. These can be cured if you get treated. One STD, HIV (AIDS) can kill you.
HIV and AIDS
HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is the virus that causes AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency). It is passed only thru semen, blood, vaginal fluids and breast milk. AIDS is the last stage of the the HIV infection. HIV can be spread during sexual activity thru vaginal, oral or anal penetration.
Gonorrhea
Gonorrhea is an infection caused by sexually transmitted bacteria (germ). Symptoms show two to eight days after contact. Women with gonorrhea often do not have any symptoms. They may not be aware that they have been infected until they find out their partner has gonorrhea. Women who do have symptoms may have burning upon urination, vaginal discharge, fever, or stomach pains. Men will have a penile discharge and/or burning upon urination. The only way to get gonorrhea is by having sexual contact with a partner who has the infection. Gonorrhea is treated with antibiotics. You and your partner(s) must take all you medication. Do not have intercourse until you have taken all your medication and you have a negative test result.
Chlamydia
Chlamydia is an infection caused by sexually transmitted bacteria. Symptoms appear two to five weeks after contact. Women with chlamydia usually do not have symptoms. Women who do have symptoms often notice vaginal discharge, itching, irritation or bleeding after intercourse. Men with chlamydia often notice a discharge from their penis or burning with urination, or both. The only way to get chlamydia is thru sexual contact with a partner who has the infection. Chlamydia is treated with antibiotics. You and your partner(s) must take all your medication. Do not have intercourse until you have taken all your medication and you have a negative test result. Chlamydia can be a very serious infection if untreated. It can spread from the cervix to the uterus and fallopian tubes, causing PID (pelvic inflammatory disease). This infection may require hospitalization if severe and it can lead to chronic pelvic pain, infertility, the need for surgery and even death.
Syphilis
Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease caused by a germ called spirochete. Symptoms appear from ten to ninety days after contact. The first sign is usually a painless sore (called a chancre) on the sex organs, mouth or anus. The sore goes away in two to six weeks, but the disease is still there. After the chancre heals in one week to six months, the symptoms may start with a fever or a sore throat, nausea, or loss of appetite, you may have rashes on your hands, feet or body. There are not signs and/or symptoms in the latent stage, but you are still infected and still contagious. If syphilis is left untreated for a long time, it can lead to damage to the heart, kidneys, brain and eyes. The only way to get syphilis is to have direct contact or sex with an infected person. Syphilis is diagnosed with a blood test and is treated with antibiotics. If untreated syphilis can lead to heart disease, brain damage, blindness and death.
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