|
|
 |
 |
|
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|
| Connected CommunityTeens : Sexually Transmitted Diseases |
 |
|
|
|
| The Basics
|
|
 |
What is an STD?
STD stands for “Sexually Transmitted Disease.” These infections are passed from person to person during sexual activity (vaginal, oral, or anal intercourse). Some infections are curable, while others are not. It is estimated that more than 15 million new cases of STDs occur in the U.S. each year. Approximately one quarter (3.75 million) of the new cases occur among teenagers.
Who can get an STD?
Anyone who engages in sexual activity.
How do I... |
|
Read More >>
|
| Common Myths
|
|
|
Myth: If I don’t have symptoms, that means I don’t have an STD.
Fact: You can be infected with an STD and not know it. The only sure way to know if you have an STD is by having a medical exam and lab tests.
Myth: HIV/AIDS is the only STD that can’t be cured.
Fact: STDs caused by viruses — genital herpes, genital warts, and HIV/AIDS — cannot be cured, although some medications may reduce the severity and/or delay the appearance of symptoms. STDs caused by bacteria (like... |
|
Read More >>
|
| What are the Symptoms of STDs?
|
|
|
|
Chlamydia
-
3/4 of women and 1/2 of men infected have no symptoms
-
Discharge from the genital organs
-
-
Burning with urination
-
In women, lower abdominal and/or back pain; pain during intercourse
Gonorrhea
-
Discharge from the genital organs
-
Burning or itching during urination
-
-
Frequently no symptoms in females
Syphilis
-
Painless sores on genitals (10 days to 3 months after infection)
-
Rash (3-6 weeks after sores appear)
HIV/AIDS
(human immuno-deficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome)
- No symptoms may appear for years until symptoms of AIDS occur
HPV
(human papillomavirus)
- Genital warts (sometimes warts are not visible)
Genital Herpes
-
Itching, burning, or pain in the genital area
-
Blisters or sores (sores always heal but can re-appear throughout your life).
If you experience any of these symptoms, go to a doctor or clinic as soon as possible!
(Source: U.S. Department of Health & Human Services)
|
|
|
| Prevention
|
|
|
How can I prevent an STD?
Abstinence (not having vaginal, anal, or oral sex) is the best and only 100 percent effective way to prevent getting a sexually transmitted disease. Only having sex with one person who has been tested for STDs is the next best way to prevent getting HIV/AIDS and other STDs. Teens who choose to have multiple sexual partners should always use latex condoms. Latex condoms can help protect against STDs and HIV/AIDS, but they do not provide perfect... |
|
Read More >>
|
|
| What are the Consequences of STDs?
|
|
|
Gonorrhea and Chlamydia:
These STDs can cause serious health problems if not diagnosed and treated early:
pelvic inflammatory disease
(PID) can damage fallopian tubes and make it difficult or impossible to have a baby (infertility);
chronic pain in the lower abdomen;
tubal pregnancy (also called ectopic pregnancy) — a condition where the pregnancy grows in the fallopian tube rather than the uterus. It is dangerous requires immediate medical... |
|
Read More >>
|
|
| Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) - Local Resources
|
|
|
|
Livingston County Department of Health
2 Murray Hill Drive
Mt. Morris, NY14510
(585) 243-7270
Web site: http://www.co.livingston.state.ny.us/doh.htm
Email: dept-of-health@co.livingston.ny.us
Provides Home Health Care, Hospice, Health Education, Immunizations, WIC, Maternal-Child Health, Community Health Worker Program, Reproductive Health Center, Environmental Health, Dog Control and EMS.
CDC National STD and AIDS Hotline
1-(800) 227-8922
Web site: www.cdc.gov/std/
I Wanna Know
Web site: www.iwannaknow.org
|
|
|
|