STD's

SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES

Sexually Transmitted Diseases are also called STDs for short. Or, you may have heard them called "STIs" short for sexually transmitted infections.

Most of us will have an infection on our sex organs some time during our lives. Not all these infections com from a sex partner. BUT they can be passed on to a sex partner. There are many of these infections.

Some Important Points about STDs:

	Many of them have symptoms that look the same. BUT each disease needs its own test and treatment.
	You can have more than one STD at the same time. Each one needs its own treatment.
	You can't get immune to STDs. You can catch the same infection over and over again.
	Many men and women don't see or feel and early symptoms when they first get infected with an STD. But they can still give the infection to a sex partner. And their disease will get worse as time goes on.
	People of any age can be tested and treated for STDs. Minors don't have to have their parents permission.

How Can I Keep from Getting STDs?

Avoid exposure. Don't have sex. Or you can express affection in a way that does not involve contact between your sex organs and your partner.

Sex partners: Only have sex with one person, who only has sex with you. Know your partner well enough to trust him or her to tell you about any STD they may have.

Use a condom: Get condoms that have the sperm-killing chemical called nonoxynol-9. It a also affects some of the germs that cause STDs. Carry the condoms with you, so there will be no reason to have sex without them. Learn how to use them correctly. ...Even if the woman is using the birth control pill, she and her partner must still use a condom to protect themselves from infection.

Look for signs on your partner and on yourself. If you see a sore, rash or discharge on the sex organ, talk about it with your partner.

Get regular checkups. Ask your doctor or clinic to do tests for gonorrhea and chlamydia, even if you don't have symptoms.

Treat both people. You and your sex partner may both need to be treated for any STD one of you has. This will keep you from catching the infection from each other all over again.

Don't mix sex with alcohol or drugs. When you are drunk or stoned it is hard to avoid unsafe sexual partners, or to use a condom.