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STD'S and Protection
What Is an STD?
Sexually transmitted diseases (or STDs) are generally contracted through sexual contact. The virus, parasite, or bacteria that cause infection may pass from person to person through semen, vaginal or body fluids, and even blood.

Some STDs have no noticeable side effects; however, some can include:

  • Sores or bumps on the genitals or in the oral or rectal area

  • Painful or burning urination

  • Discharge from the penis

  • Unusual or odorous vaginal discharge

  • Unusual vaginal bleeding

  • Pain during sex

  • Sore, swollen lymph nodes, particularly in the groin but sometimes more widespread

  • Lower abdominal pain

  • Fever

  • Rash over the trunk, hands or feet

Some Examples of STDs

  • Bacteria: Gonorrhea, syphilis and chlamydia are examples of STDs that are caused by bacteria.

  • Parasites: Trichomoniasis is an STD caused by a parasite.

  • Viruses: STDs caused by viruses include HPV, genital herpes and HIV.

ANYONE participating in sexual activity is at risk for contracting an STD.
Factors that increase the risk of contracting a virus include:

1. Having unprotected sex. Both vaginal and anal sex involving penetration by an infected person not properly wearing a latex condom significantly increases risk of STD transmission. If you are unsure if your partner currently has an STD or regularly uses sexual precaution, using protection is always the best option to keep you and your future partners safe.

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2. Having sexual relations with several partners at once. Having multiple sexual relationships is unsafe when not using proper protection. Having unprotected sex between several people increases risk of STD spreading to you and your partner(s).

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3. Being forced to engage in sexual activity. Having sex with a possibly unknown person, or with someone where consent and conversation pre sex did not occur, the chance of contracting an STD is high. Despite the difficulty in reaching out for help after such a traumatizing event, seeing a doctor as soon as possible to receive proper screening, testing, and support is extremely important to your mental and physical health.

Complications if not caught on early include:

  • Pelvic pain

  • Pregnancy complications

  • Eye inflammation

  • Arthritis

  • Pelvic inflammatory disease

  • Infertility

  • Heart disease

  • Certain cancers, such as HPV-associated cervical and rectal cancers

Because some people experience no symptoms, regular testing once you’ve become sexually active is extremely important to present serious results.

How To Prevent STDs:

1. Get yourself tested and encourage your sexual partner to get tested before engaging in sexual intercourse with said partner.

 

2. Get vaccinated! Getting vaccinated early can help prevent certain STDs such as HPV. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (also known as the CDC) recommends children ages 11 and 12 to receive the HPV vaccine, although children as young as 9 years old are eligible for being vaccinated. 

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3.Use condoms and dental dams correctly and regularly. Use a new latex condom or dental dam for each sexually act, it is important to use only one at a time as friction can cause the latex to tear. It is important to know that non barrier forms of conception such as birth control pills or an IUD do NOT protect against STDs.

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4. Communicate! Before engaging in consensual sexual activity communicate with your partner to ensure that you are aware AND agreeing on what activity will take place. Never remove a condom without discussing this beforehand with a partner.

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