Stop by Keenan Central Health Clinic and pick up your free condoms and learn how to use them correctly!
What are STDs?
Who gets STDs?
How are STDs spread?
What should I do if I think I have an STD?
Will using a condom during sex prevent me from getting an STD?
How are STDs treated?
What are the symptoms of a STD?
Can I get a STD again?
What are STDs?
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are infections passed from one person to another during oral, anal or vaginal intercourse and other sexual contact. STDs can be bacterial, viral or parasitic and a variety of medications may be prescribed to cure or treat the symptoms.
Who gets STDs?
Anyone, regardless of age, sex, ethnicity, or sexual orientation, can get an STD. Many people show NO symptoms of an infection, so it's important to talk to your partner about past sexual history to determine if you are at risk.
How are STDs spread?
STDs can be spread when a person has sexual contact (oral, anal or vaginal sex, or skin-to-skin contact) with an infected person.
- Bacterial STDs, such as Chlamydia and Gonorrhea, are spread through unprotected sex and can be transferred to other areas of the body, such as the eyes and sometimes throat, through contact with body fluids.
- Viral STDs, such as Herpes and Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) or "genital warts", are not only spread through unprotected sex, but can also be transmitted through skin-to-skin contact with the infected area not covered by barrier methods such as condoms.
If diagnosed with an STD, it's important that both you and your partner are treated at the same time, to avoid passing the infection back and forth. In some cases, STDs can be spread through infected blood or passed from an infected mother to her newborn child. STDs are not spread by contact with toilet seats.
What should I do if I think I have a STD?
If you think you have an STD, you should see your medical care provider. It's important to be tested for all STDs and HIV and take all medications as prescribed. Studies have shown that having one or more STDs increases your risk of getting or giving someone HIV. Testing can be done through a private physician, clinics, your college/university health center, or at your local public health clinic.
Back to Top
Will using a condom during sex prevent me from getting a STD?
The only sure way to prevent STDs is not having sex (abstinence) or by having sex with an uninfected partner who only has sex with you (monogamy). Although some STDs can be transmitted through skin-to-skin contact with infected areas not covered by condoms, correctly using condoms every time you have sex can substantially decrease your risk of getting HIV or an STD.
It's important to use a new condom with each sex act, and using water-based lubricant like K-Y Jelly (or other brands) can make condom use more pleasurable and decrease the chances of the condom breaking. Avoid oil-based lubricants, like Vaseline (or other brands). They can weaken the condom, increasing the chance of breakage.
There are two types of condoms available. Both types protect against STDs and HIV.
- The male condom covers the man's penis to prevent the exchange of body fluids during sexual acts. The male condom is available in latex and polyurethane, for those who are allergic to latex. Avoid natural skin condoms. They do not protect as well against STD/HIV transmission, although they do reduce the chances that a woman will become pregnant.
- The second type of condom, the female condom, is a polyurethane pouch that fits inside a women's vagina.
How are STDs treated?
STDs caused by bacteria can be treated and cured with antibiotics. Viral STDs such as HIV, Herpes and Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), cannot be cured. They can be treated through the management of symptoms, but the virus will remain in your body and symptoms may reappear in the future. Its important to remember that some STDs can cause life-long problems if they remain untreated. Additionally, if you and your partner are not treated at the same time, STDs may continue to be passed back and forth.
What are the symptoms of a STD?
Although some symptoms could appear within weeks of exposure, other symptoms may not appear until months or years later. It's important to remember that some people never develop symptoms of an STD, so the best way to protect yourself is to talk with your partner about their past sexual history. If you think you've been put at risk, get tested.
The most common symptoms for women include:
· Burning or itching around the sex organs (e.g. vulva or vagina)
· Abnormal vaginal discharge (change in color or odor) with or without irritation
· Pain or cramping in the lower abdomen
· Irregular bleeding such as spotting or bleeding between periods
· Pain during sex
The most common symptoms for men include:
- Discharge from penis which may come and go
- Tingling, itching or burning sensation inside the penis
Symptoms for both men and women may include:
- Pain or burning when urinating or during bowel movements
- Swelling in the groin
- Sores, bumps, blisters or warts in/near the sex organs, anus or mouth
- Swelling or redness in the throat
- Flu-like symptoms with low grade fever, chills and aches
Can I get a STD again?
It's not only possible to get the same STD again; it's possible to have more than one STD at the same time. Talk to your partner about barrier methods, know how to use them correctly, and practice safer sex "every" time you have sex.
Stop by Keenan Central Health Clinic and pick up your free condoms and learn how to use them correctly!