- STDS
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- HIV & AIDS
- Safe Sex
- Body Art
- Needle Safety
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What are STDS?
| STDs
are diseases that usually spread during sexual activity. There are many different
types of STDs. Some STDs are caused by viruses, others are caused by different bacteria.
Some STDs infect your sexual and reproductive organs. Others can cause general body
infections. Sometimes you will have symptoms caused by the STD infection, while other
times the symptoms may be so mild that you don't even notice that you have the STD. Either way, you have the STD until you have been
medically treated. The consequences of untreated STDs can be sterility, blindness,
and even death! |
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Who is at Risk?
| Anyone
who is sexually active is at risk for getting a STD. Remember that oral, anal, and
vaginal sex acts as well as sexual play can result in infection. According to
the Center for Disease Control (CDC),
more than 12 million people in the United States are newly infected each year - most of
these people are teenagers and young adults! |
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What are the different kinds of STDs?
| STDs are caused by
germs or microorganisms that are passed between sex partners. Some STDs infect your sexual and reproductive organs. Others
can cause general body infections. There are a variety of STDs.
Some organisms are bacteria. STDs caused by bacteria include Chlamydia, Gonorrhea (Clap or Drip), Syphilis, Vaginosis, and
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease. STDs caused by viruses include Genital Herpes, HIV,
Hepatitis B, and Genital Warts. STDs caused by parasites include Trichomoniasis,
Scabies (Lice), & Pediculosis Pubis (Crabs). More Information |
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How are STDs spread?
| STDs
are spread during close, sexual activity and during vaginal, anal, and oral sex. STDs can
be spread between males and females, and between "same sex" partners. Some
STDs such as HIV and Hepatitis B are also spread by contact with infected blood and body
fluids. |
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What symptoms should I watch for?
- Sores, bumps, or blisters near your sex
organs, rectum, or mouth.
- A discharge (drip) from your penis or vagina.
- Pain during sex.
- Burning and pain when you urinate (pee) or
have a bowel movement.
- Need to urinate often.
- Burning or itching around your sex organs.
- Swelling or redness in your throat if you've
had oral sex.
- Flu-like feelings, fever, chills, and aches.
- Swelling in your groin around your sex
organs.
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What should I do if I have symptoms?
| Get medical help.
STDs do not go away even though the symptoms may get better. You still have the STD
until you have been treated for the STD. |
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What should I do if I've had sex with someone who might have a STD?
| Get medical help.
You could be infected and not even know it! |
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Still need more info . . . |
