About this topic
Sexually-transmitted diseases or STDs are infections you catch during sexual contact. This includes vaginal, oral, and anal sex. You may also get it by coming in contact with skin, genitals, mouth, rectum, or body fluids of an infected person. A person with an STD may not have any signs or know they have it. STDs can be very serious and have long-term health effects. STDs can cause cancer, blindness, or not being able to have children. ‚
Bacteria or viruses can cause STDs. Bacterial STDs are treated with antibiotics. Only the signs of viral STDs are treated. Common STDs include: ‚
- Chlamydia
- Gonorrhea
- Syphilis
- Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
- Herpes simplex
- Human papillomavirus (HPV)
- Hepatitis B and C
STDs may cause signs like: ‚
- Pain when passing urine
- Sores or genital warts
- Unusual discharge from penis or vagina
- Itching on your inner thighs, anus, or genitals
- Abnormal menstrual bleeding
- Pain or bleeding during sex
- Swelling of testicles
- Fever
- Muscle or joint pain
These signs may come and go. It is important to see your doctor even if you think the signs are gone. ‚
General
- Learn about your health, your body, sex, love, and relationships. These are all important parts of sexual health.
- Learn about STDs. Find reliable information about STDs.
- Know the right names for both male and female body parts.
- Find information about the kinds of infections you could get.
- Know how STDs spread as well as the signs and treatment.
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What will the results be?
- You may be able to protect yourself from getting STDs.
- You may be able to prevent long-term effects on your health.
- If you are pregnant, you may be able to prevent giving your unborn baby a STD.
Will there be any other care needed?
- Ask your doctor if there are shots or pills you can take to prevent a STD.
- Know your STD status. Get tested and have your partner tested.
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- The only sure way to keep from getting or passing on a sexually-transmitted infection is to not have sexual contact with anyone.
- Even if you do not have any signs of illness, you may spread an STD.
- If you have any type of sexual contact, use latex condoms each time to reduce the spread of infection. Use a condom with each partner every time, from the start of sex to the end.
- Avoid contact with any sex partner known to have an infection or who has signs of an infection like genital sores or warts.
- Avoid multiple sex partners. A long-term monogamous relationship with a partner who has tested negative and is known to have no infection is the safest partner.
- If you are pregnant, get tested and get prompt treatment for an STD. This will help avoid passing it to your baby.
- Avoid using drugs or too much alcohol. Either of these can lead to risky behavior like unprotected sex.
- Talk to your partner about STDs before you have sex. Talk about having safe sex and if your relationship is monogamous.
- Wash your hands and genitals with soap and water after sex.
- See your doctor for regular exams and check-ups for STDs.
Where can I learn more?
American Academy of Family Physicians ‚
http://familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en/diseases-conditions/sexually-transmitted-infections/prevention.printerview.all.html ‚
American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology ‚
http://www.acog.org/~/media/For%20Patients/faq009.pdf?dmc=1&ts=20140421T1732514823 ‚
Centers for Disease Control ‚
http://www.cdc.gov/std/prevention/default.htm ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚