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Connected CommunityTeens : Sexually Transmitted Diseases
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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 chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis) can usually be cured with antibiotics. If they are not treated early, serious long term problems, like pain and infertility, can develop.

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
    • Pelvic Pain
    • 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)


              Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) - Local Resources   

              Livingston County Department of Health
              2 Murray Hill Drive
              Mt. Morris, NY              14510
              (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