SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES (STD)

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Definition: A sexually transmitted disease that can be transmitted by sexual contact (including vaginal or anal intercourse and oral-genital or hand-genital contact) with an infected partner who may or may not have symptoms.

SYMPTOMS

• Increased watery or discolored discharge from penis or vagina
• Pink or reddish warts on or in the genitals
• Painful urination
• Sores around genitals which may or may not be painful
• Itching or soreness of penis or vagina
• Some men and most women have no noticeable symptoms

SELF-TREATMENT

1. None

HEALTH SERVICE VISIT RECOMMENDED IF

1. You experience any of the symptoms above
2. If you suspect you may have contracted a sexually transmitted disease, or been exposed to an STD

PROTECTION

• Abstinence
• Communication - honesty between partners
• Condom or dental dam, when used properly can help to prevent the transmission of STD's
• Spermicide with nonoxynol-9 also helps prevent contracting a STD
• Combination of the above 2 methods is even better

COMMON SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES

1. Chlamydia
2. Gonorrhea
3. Trichomonas
4. Genital warts (human papilloma virus)
5. Syphilis
6. Genital herpes (remember oral herpes can be transmitted to the genital area by oral-genital contact)
7. HIV/AIDS
8. Hepatitis B or C