Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are diseases that can be passed to someone else by having sex with them.
They are caused by both viruses and bacteria.
Unfortunately many or most of the people who carry a disease do not know that they are infected.
Who is at risk? Everyone who is sexually active with someone other than a STD-free, monogamous partner is at risk.
The more sexual partners that you have, the higher your risk of infection.
Activities that can transmit infection include: sexual intercourse, anal intercourse, genital to genital contact and oral sex.
Sexual intercourse while using condoms reduces but does not eliminate the risk.
What to look for • Sores or pain in the genital area (penis and inside or outside the vagina), anal area, or the mouth, tongue or throat if there has been oral sex • Discharge from the vagina or penis • Painful urination • Warts around the genital area • Flu like symptoms: fever, fatigue, sweats and body ache • Swollen glands in the genital area • Unusual infections • Lower abdominal pain If you have any of these symptoms or are simply concerned because of your sexual activity you should see your doctor.
How do you protect yourself? First of all you must consider the risks of your sexual activity.
The only way to be 100% safe is to not be sexually active.
Other than that the safest alternative is to limit your sexual activity to a partner that you know is free of infection.
As you increase the number of your partners you greatly increase your risks.
Remember the phrase, "When you have sex with someone you have sex with everyone they have had sex with.
" Combine this with the fact that many people who are infected are not aware of it and as a result do not feel any need to warn a partner or take precautions.
You should also consider the increased risk of having sex with known prostitutes (male or female) and avoid casual sexual encounters.
One is naive not to realize that when people are looking for sex it is not in their best interest to announce the fact that they have an STD.
You must take care of yourself and not rely on your partner.
Condoms greatly decrease but do not eliminate your risk of an STD and should be used every time you have vaginal, anal or oral sex.
The female condom is not as effective but is beneficial when a male condom will not be used or is not available.
Some diseases can be spread just by the body contact in the genital area that is not covered by a condom.
Condoms can break, even when used properly.
Using spermicidal foams or jellies, designed to prevent pregnancy, may increase your risks of an STD due to the inflammation they may cause.
It is vital that you follow the instructions for using a condom properly.
Never reuse a condom.
The most common STDs are: • Herpes (HSV or Herpes Simplex Virus) • Chlamydia The most common preventable cause of female infertility • Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) The cause of cervical cancer and genital warts • HIV Can result in AIDS • Syphilis • Gonorrhea • Hepatitis B and C
They are caused by both viruses and bacteria.
Unfortunately many or most of the people who carry a disease do not know that they are infected.
Who is at risk? Everyone who is sexually active with someone other than a STD-free, monogamous partner is at risk.
The more sexual partners that you have, the higher your risk of infection.
Activities that can transmit infection include: sexual intercourse, anal intercourse, genital to genital contact and oral sex.
Sexual intercourse while using condoms reduces but does not eliminate the risk.
What to look for • Sores or pain in the genital area (penis and inside or outside the vagina), anal area, or the mouth, tongue or throat if there has been oral sex • Discharge from the vagina or penis • Painful urination • Warts around the genital area • Flu like symptoms: fever, fatigue, sweats and body ache • Swollen glands in the genital area • Unusual infections • Lower abdominal pain If you have any of these symptoms or are simply concerned because of your sexual activity you should see your doctor.
How do you protect yourself? First of all you must consider the risks of your sexual activity.
The only way to be 100% safe is to not be sexually active.
Other than that the safest alternative is to limit your sexual activity to a partner that you know is free of infection.
As you increase the number of your partners you greatly increase your risks.
Remember the phrase, "When you have sex with someone you have sex with everyone they have had sex with.
" Combine this with the fact that many people who are infected are not aware of it and as a result do not feel any need to warn a partner or take precautions.
You should also consider the increased risk of having sex with known prostitutes (male or female) and avoid casual sexual encounters.
One is naive not to realize that when people are looking for sex it is not in their best interest to announce the fact that they have an STD.
You must take care of yourself and not rely on your partner.
Condoms greatly decrease but do not eliminate your risk of an STD and should be used every time you have vaginal, anal or oral sex.
The female condom is not as effective but is beneficial when a male condom will not be used or is not available.
Some diseases can be spread just by the body contact in the genital area that is not covered by a condom.
Condoms can break, even when used properly.
Using spermicidal foams or jellies, designed to prevent pregnancy, may increase your risks of an STD due to the inflammation they may cause.
It is vital that you follow the instructions for using a condom properly.
Never reuse a condom.
The most common STDs are: • Herpes (HSV or Herpes Simplex Virus) • Chlamydia The most common preventable cause of female infertility • Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) The cause of cervical cancer and genital warts • HIV Can result in AIDS • Syphilis • Gonorrhea • Hepatitis B and C
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