WHAT ARE SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES AND HOW DO YOU GET THEM?
Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs), also known as Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), are caused by infections that are passed from one person to another primarily through sexual contact. There are many types of STDs each with their own symptoms and complications. The most common way to contract an STD is to participate in unprotected sexual activities.
HOW DO YOU KNOW IF YOU OR SOMEONE ELSE HAS AN STD?
Often times a person can be infected without looking or feeling sick. The infection can still be transmitted despite not having any symptoms.
There are common symptoms that can mean an STD is present. The following is a list of some of those common symptoms:
- Unusual discharge from the penis or vagina
- Burning sensation during urination
- Dark urine
- Lower abdominal pain
- Growths, sores, or itching in the genital area
- Skin rashes or sores
- Fever
- Nausea
The only way to know for sure if you have an STD is to get tested.
HOW DO YOU PREVENT STDS?
If you are not in a long-term monogamous relationship with a partner who is uninfected the only way to prevent yourself from contracting an STD is complete abstinence. If you are sexually active outside of an uninfected monogamous relationship follow these suggested guidelines:
- Talk to potential partners about STDs and safe sex
- Don't drink alcohol or use drugs in sexual situations because the mood/mind altering substances can affect your judgement
- Avoid sexual contact with infected people
- Limit your number of sexual partners
- Use condoms during every sexual act, including oral sex
- Use condoms properly
- Avoid sexual contact that may result in skin or tissue cuts or tears
- Get vaccinated. There is currently vaccinations for Hepatitis A and B, as well as HPV for men and women under the age of 26
- Get screened for STDs periodically
- Get treatment immediately after contracting an STD an don't have sex until after your treatment is completed
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE COMMON STDS?
The following are common STDs that pose a major threat to your health:
To view more information about each STD click on it's name
To view more information about each STD click on it's name