STDs

What are STDs?
STD or Sexually Transmitted Disease is not specific to any one disease, but refers to more than 25 infectious organisms that are transmitted through sex. The most common STD in the world is HPV (Human PapillomaVirus), more than 60 types of HPV have been identified. Some types cause visible genital warts and some cause certain kinds of cancer. HPV is spread through skin-to-skin genital contact during vaginal or anal sex, it is also occasionally spread during oral sex.

How do I know if I have an STD?
Common symptoms to look for are sores in the genital area or anal area, milky discharge from the genitals, pain while urinating, bleeding between periods or after sex, pain during sex, stomach pain, itching inside the tip of the penis, painful swollen testicles, and inflammation of the rectum. If you experience any of these symptoms you should contact a health care provider as soon as possible.

What is AIDS?
AIDS is caused by the HIV virus (Human Immunodeficiency Virus). The HIV virus attacks certain cells in your body which fight germs that cause infection and sickness. Once enough of these cells have been destroyed, you develop AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome). AIDS kills you by breaking down your immune system so that it's easier to get infections, or even cancer. AIDS can develop over a few weeks or years. There are medications to slow down the effects of HIV but no cure yet.

How do I protect myself against STDs?
The best way to avoid STDs is to not have sex. You can get STDs in many different ways: unprotected sex, exchange of body fluids, sharing needles, or like genital warts through skin-to-skin genital contact. If you want to protect yourself, wear a latex condom and only have sex with one partner who you can trust is only having sex with you. If you have an STD, you should tell your partner so you do not spread it to him/her.

 

 

 

1. What will happen if I don't get treated?

2.Can STDs harm my fetus if I'm pregnant?

 

Protect yourself!

In 1996, the World Health Organization estimated there were 333 million new cases of the four most common STDs worldwide among people ages 15-49.

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