STDs are Sexually Transmitted Diseases and are spread from one person to another through intimate contact. These diseases are a serious health issue and can cause permanent damage such as infertility and even death. It is important to be aware that there is no discrimination between social status, ethnic background, culture or age……STDs can affect anyone who is having sexual contact with a partner.
Don't believe the MYTHS!
Myth 1: You need to have sexual intercourse to become infected.
WRONG! You can contract herpes or genital warts through skin-to-skin
contact with an infected area.
Myth 2: You can't get an STD through oral sex or anal sex.
WRONG! Many viruses and bacteria that cause STDs
can enter the body through tiny cuts or tears in the mouth, anus or
genital area.
Myth 3: You will be able to tell if someone has
an STD.
WRONG! STDs spread rapidly because you can't easily
tell if someone has an infection and in fact often people with STDs
are unaware and don't realize.
High risk category:
- Sexually active at a young age
- Lots of partners (not just sexual intercourse but sexual contact)
- Unprotected sex (Latex condoms can help to decrease the risk of contacting an STD)
Here's the breakdown of the common STDs out there:
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Clamydia
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Symptoms
- Often no symptoms
- Vaginal discharge
- Pain during urination
- Pain in lower abdomen
- Pain during sexual intercourse
- Bleeding between period
What can happen
- Infection of the urethra (where urine comes out)
- Inflammation of the cervix
- Can lead to PID (Pelvic Inflammatory Disease) which can cause infertility or ectopic pregnancies later
Prevention
- Abstain from sexual intercourse
- Use a latex condom every time you have sex
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Genital Herpes
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Symptoms
- Some people never have an outbreak and may be unaware of having the disease
- An outbreak involves sores which usually start with itching or pain and then can become quite painful and irritating
What can happen
- There is no cure and a person with genital herpes is likely to have several outbreaks each year…these can lessen over time.
- Genital herpes can be transmitted when there are no symptoms.
- If a woman has an outbreak at the time of giving birth, the disease can be passed on to the baby and cause serious complications.
Prevention
- Not having sex
- Latex condoms every time you have anal, oral or vaginal sex will decrease the risk
|
|
Genital Warts (HPV)
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Symptoms
- Often no symptoms
- Visible warts
What can happen
- Can cause problems in the cervix and may lead to cervical cancer
Prevention
- Don't have sex
- Condoms can reduce the risk but not give complete protection
- Recently a vaccine has been introduced prevent HPV. *Ask your doctor about
this*
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Gonorrhea
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Symptoms
- A burning sensation when urinating
- Yellow-green vaginal discharge
- Bleeding between menstrual cycle
What can happen
- The infection can cause PID and lead to infertility
- Can cause problems during pregnancy for the baby including meningitis and blindness
Prevention
- Abstain from all types of sexual intercourse.
- Use latex condoms every time to reduce the risk.
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Hepatitis B
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Symptoms
A disease of the liver
- Flu like symptoms
- Abdominal pain
- Pain under the right ribcage
What can happen
- Liver damage
- Increased risk of cancer
Prevention
- Abstain from sex (oral, vaginal and anal)
- Always use latex condoms
- Never share needles
- Avoid contact with an infected person's blood.
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HIV and AIDS
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Symptoms
- Extreme weakness or fatigue
- Rapid weight loss
- Frequent fevers
- Night sweats
- Skin rashes
- Chronic diarrhea
- White spots in the mouth or throat
What can happen
- The immune system weakens and people get sicker and sicker
- AIDS is fatal
- There is no cure
Prevention
- Abstain from sex (oral, vaginal and anal)
- Always use latex condoms for all sexual encounters.
- Never share needles
- Avoid contact with bodily fluids
|
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Pubic Lice (crabs)
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Symptoms
What can happen
- Uncomfortable
- Easily passed on to others
Prevention
- Abstain from sexual contact.
- Even with a condom pubic lice can be transmitted and they can also be transmitted through infested clothing, towels or bedding.
- Dry clean or use very hot water to wash any infested clothing/bedding/etc.
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Syphilis
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Symptoms
- Red, wet sores
- Rash on soles of feet and palms of hands
- Flu-like symptoms
- Stage four (late stage) can involve difficulty walking, gradual blindness, even death
What can happen
Can affect health if left untreated and cause brain damage, serious problems with organs and even death
Prevention
- Refrain from having sex
- Use a latex condom
- Have as few sexual partners as possible
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While the above table is not comprehensive, hopefully you've gained some knowledge about STDs and how serious they really are. If you are unsure about whether you may have been infected with an STD, you should see a doctor immediately because the sooner it is treated, the better!
Girls, don't rush into sex! Think seriously about the possible consequences and remember that you only have one body to get you through this life. Look after it and be safe! Be informed and make SMART choices!!
Check out our source for further information: www.kidshealth.org
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