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STD’s/STI’s

Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Sexually Transmitted Infections

Pregnancy is not the only thing to be concerned about after having sex. STDs (sexually transmitted diseases) and STIs (sexually transmitted infections) are common. Some have symptoms. Some do not. Some can be cured. Some cannot. Many have lifelong effects.

How At Risk Are You? (downlad PDF)

STIs spread through infected body fluid that enter into a body opening. These infections can be transmitted through skin-to-skin contact and sexual intercourse. 

Chlamydia
Genital Herpes
Syphilis
Gonorrhea
Trichomoniasis
HPV
HIV/AIDS
Chlamydia

A curable bacterial infection that is the most frequently reported STD in the United States. Any sexually active person can be infected with Chlamydia. The greater the number of sex partners, the greater the risk of infection. Because the cervix of teenage girls and young women is not fully matured, they are at particularly high risk for infection.

Genital Herpes

Caused by the simplex viruses’ type 1 and type 2. Most genital infections are caused by HSV-2. Transmission can occur whether a sore is present or not. There is no cure but the symptoms can be lessened with treatment.

Syphilis

A bacterial infection affecting primarily men. This disease is passed by direct contact with a syphilis sore called a chancre. Chancres can appear anywhere on the body where sexual activity has occurred. Left untreated, syphilis can damage internal organs including the brain, nerves, eyes, heart, blood vessels, liver and bones. Penicillin is used in the early stages to treat syphilis.

Gonorrhea

Symptoms in women are often mild, and most women who are infected have no symptoms. Even when a woman has symptoms, they can be mistaken for a bladder or vaginal infection. In men, gonorrhea causes painful sores and usually is accompanied by a painful urination and discharge. Untreated Gonorrhea can cause serious and permanent health problems. 

Trichomoniasis

An infection caused by a protozoan parasite and is considered the most common and curable STD. Trich is more common in women. A frothy discharge is the primary symptom. This disease is treatable.

HPV

Human Papilloma Virus is the primary cause of cervical cancer. At least 50 percent of sexually active men and women acquire a genital HPV infection at some point in their lives. Most HPV infections have no signs or symptoms; therefore, most infected people are unaware they are infected, yet they can transmit the virus to a sex partner.  HPV contributes to Pelvic Inflammatory Disease which can lead to infertility when not treated. HPV has no cure.

HIV/AIDS

There are still over 1 million people living with HIV in the United States. About one-fourth of those have not yet been diagnosed and are unaware of their infection. HIV causes Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome which weakens the immune system and routinely leads to death. The only way to know if you are infected is to be tested. Modern medicine has successfully treated the symptoms of AIDS but the medications are expensive.

Sexually transmitted infections become diseases that may or may not be cured. People who have contracted an infection may not know they have the infection and continue to spread it to other sex partners. Some people know they have an infection but are too afraid or embarrassed to tell anyone.

Sex is a big deal. Know the facts. Respect yourself.

Resources: click here to view reference list. 

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This information is intended for general education purposes only and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional and/or medical advice. We do not perform abortions or arrange adoptions.

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