WHAT ARE STDs?
Germs passed between people during sex cause Sexually-Transmitted Diseases (STDs). Bacteria, viruses,
fungi, parasites and tiny insects are some of the germs that cause STDs.
WHY SHOULD I WORRY ABOUT STDs?
If you had or plan to have sex, the following facts should cause concern.
STDs are VERY contagious
There are over 20 known STDs
Over 12 million Americans get a STD each year
You can get a STD and have no symptoms
You can spread a STD to other people and not know it
Pregnant women infected with some STDs have a high risk of miscarriage or premature birth. Their babies can have serious problems including pneumonia, blindness and mental retardation
If left untreated, STDs can cause serious illness, even death. Most cause painful symptoms. Some are linked with health problems such as cancer and infertility
HOW DO I KNOW IF I HAVE A STD?
Tests and examinations by a
doctor are the only way to tell for sure if you have a STD. You may have a STD if:
You have a discharge from the penis or vagina that itches, looks or smells unusual
You have burning or pain when urinating
You develop a rash, lump or painful sores in the genital area
You have participated in a "risky" sexual behavior
WHO IS AT RISK TO GET A STD?
ANYONE who has sexual contact with someone else can get a STD. Those people most at-risk include:
Anyone who has unprotected sex – who does not use condoms, foams or jellies throughout the sexual encounter
Anyone who has more than one sex
partner -1-
Anyone whose sex partner has more than one sex partner
Anyone who exchanges body fluids, especially blood, semen and vaginal fluids
Anyone whose sexual practices may injure body tissues such as anal sex
Anyone whose sex partner uses intravenous drugs or shares needles
Homosexual males and bisexual females
Anyone whose sex partner has had intercourse with a homosexual male or bisexual female
Anyone who has sex when they are ill or when their immune system is low
Anyone who does not keep his or her genitals clean, both as a matter of daily routine and especially after sex
Sexually-active females who douche
WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I THINK I HAVE A STD?
If you think you may have a STD, consider the following approach.
Stop having sex so that you do not spread it to someone else
Be examined by a doctor and tested for the presence of a STD
Follow the treatment plan carefully
Do not have sex until your doctor says you are cured
Practice not having sex, or having sex only with a non-infected partner who has sex only with you
Do not participate in "risky" sexual behaviors
HOW DO I FIND A DOCTOR?
Telephone several offices or clinics and ask questions about the types of services and tests they offer. Ask about costs and methods of payment. The tests may be free, but there may be a charge for the visit. Consider the following medical options.
Public Health Clinics offer free or low cost services, depending on a person’s ability to pay
Feminist Health Clinics are especially supportive of women concerned about STDs
Private doctors are listed by specialty in the Yellow Pages under Physicians
Many medical centers have a Physician Referral Service that suggests appropriate doctors
Private Walk-In Clinics take patients without an appointment
Women should see a gynecologist, family practitioner or specialist in internal medicine
Men should see a urologist, family practitioner or specialist in internal medicine
-2-
WHAT WILL DOCTORS DO?
The doctor will ask questions about your medical history, general health and sexual activity. The doctor will examine your genital area. Women will have an internal pelvic exam. Samples of blood and body fluids may be tested. Medicines may be prescribed. The exam will also include education about STDs, counseling about how to use the medicines correctly and how to help your sex partner(s) who also may be infected.
WHO WILL KOW IF I RECEIVE TREATMENT FOR A STD?
Privacy is an important issue. All states have laws that allow minors to be examined and treated for STDs without parental permission. If confidentiality is important, tell the doctor about your concerns. Laws also require reporting certain STDs to the local health officer. Health officers are concerned about the health of your sex partner(s) and want to stop the spread of the STD. If you wish, health officers will notify your sex partner(s) without using your name.