Girls struggle with the question, "When should I have sex?" If it's too early, friends will think you are "easy", and if you leave it too long, you could be considered a prude!

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:

Clamydia
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
Genital Herpes
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)
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*
Gonorrhea
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.
Hepatitis B
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.
HIV and AIDS
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
Pubic Lice (crabs)
Symptoms Itching Visible lice 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.
Syphilis
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

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

What a girl needs to know about teen pregnancy is that it does happen and if it happens to you, your life will change dramatically.

We are going to dedicate the next six months to the issues involved with SEX. While sex is special and can be a very intimate and loving part of a relationship (with the right person at the right time in your life) it is also something that should not be treated lightly as there are many consequences that can result from engaging in sexual activity.

It is important for all teenage girls to educate themselves and be SMART about sexual choices. Everyday we are exposed to sexual images through the media but unfortunately the messages we receive are not always correct and it is easy to develop misconceptions about sexual issues. Our challenge to you is to be INTELLIGENT and know the issues before you are likely to encounter them.

Some interesting statistics (from www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au):

• About ½ teenage pregnancies occur within the first 6 months of becoming sexually active.
• Over one in four teenagers have experienced an unwanted sexual encounter.
• Most teenagers are not practising safe sex.
• Over ½ the young people who use the pill as contraception don't use condoms to protect from Sexually Transmitted Diseases.
• Some reasons for unwanted sexual encounters included being drunk, high on drugs, pressure from partner and pressure from friends.

Things to consider ...

1. Think about your core values and how you will maintain these values. What is important to you? How do you want to be perceived? What does a sexual relationship mean to you? In what context is a sexual relationship OK and when is it NOT OK?
2. Develop your own self-respect policy. What kind of guidelines will you establish for yourself so that you can enjoy the confidence that comes with having a healthy self-respect? (E.g. How will you decide who and when???)
3. Research current sexual issues including STDs and teen pregnancy.
4. Accept that others have different views.
5. Discuss the issues involved with sex with your parents or a trusted adult.
6. Visit your doctor and ask for information.
7. Find out about what kinds of contraception are available and what each one does.
8. Visit web-sites such as Kids Helpline and www.reachout.com.au.
9. Brainstorm with your friends about how to say "no" to unwanted sex.
10. Think about teen pregnancy and options such as parenting, adoption and abortion. How do you feel about each option? How can you avoid having to deal with an unwanted pregnancy?

What A Girl Needs will be exploring some of the most important issues surrounding SEX over the next few months to provide you with relevant and up-to-date information. Stay tuned!