Sexually Transmitted Disease

SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASE

• Also called: Sexually transmitted infections, STDs, Venereal disease • Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are infections that you can get from having sex with someone who has the infection. The causes of STDs are bacteria, parasites and viruses. There are more than 20 types of STDs, including

• CHLAMYDIA is a common sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by the bacterium, Chlamydia trachomatis.

• Even though symptoms of chlamydia are usually mild or absent, serious complications that cause irreversible damage, including infertility and damage to a woman’s reproductive organs can occur “silently” before a woman ever recognizes a problem. Chlamydia also can cause discharge from the penis of an infected man.

• GONORRHEA A treatable bacterial infection of the penis, vagina or anus that causes pain, or burning feeling as well as a pus-like discharge. Also known as "the clap".

• HERPES Simplex Genital herpes is a recurrent skin condition that can cause skin irritations in the genital region (anus, vagina, and penis).

• ACQUIRED IMMUNE DEFICIENCY SYNDROME or ACQUIRED IMMUNODEFICIENCY SYNDROME (AIDS) is a disease of the human IMMUNE SYSTEM caused by the HUMAN IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUS(HIV).

• HUMAN PAPILLOMAVIRUS (HPV) is a virus that affects the skin in the genital area, as well as a female's cervix. Depending on the type of HPV involved, symptoms can be in the form of wart-like growths, or abnormal cell changes.

• SYPHILIS a treatable bacterial infection that can spread throughout the body and affect the heart, brain, nerves. Also known as "syph".

• TRICHOMONIASIS, sometimes referred to as "trich", is a common cause of VAGINITTIS. It is a SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASE (STD).

• It is caused by the single-celled PROTOZOAN parasite TRICHOMONAS VAGINALIS. Trichomoniasis is primarily an infection of the UROGENITAL TRACT; the most common site of infection is the URETHRA and the VAGINA in women.

• Most STDs affect both men and women, but in many cases the health problems they cause can be more severe for women. If a pregnant woman has an STD, it can cause serious health problems for the baby.

• If you have an STD caused by bacteria or parasites, your health care provider can treat it with antibiotics or other medicines. If you have an STD caused by a virus, there is no cure. Sometimes medicines can keep the disease under control. Correct usage of latex condoms greatly reduces, but does not completely eliminate, the risk of catching or spreading STDs.

What are the different Birth Control methods?

FOR WOMEN

The Female Condom (Female Condom) • The female condom is a soft, loosefitting thin plastic pouch that goes inside a woman's vagina. • You plan ahead and put it in before sex and use a new condom each time you have sex.

• Condoms protect you from both pregnancy and STDs, including HIV. • Female condoms are plastic so people who are allergic to latex can use them. • You can get them at drug stores and most health clinics.

Fertility Awareness Method  • You learn how to tell when you can get pregnant. • Avoid sex or use other birth control during this time.

Spermicides  • Spermicides are chemicals that kill sperm. They come in foam, gel, film or suppositories.

• Spermicides used with a condom are very effective. • You can get them at drug stores and some health clinics.

Abstinence  • Abstinence from all sex protects you and your partner from pregnancy and STDs/HIV. • People can choose abstinence at any time and at any age.

Birth Control Pills  • You take one pill at the same time every day. Missing a pill increases your chance of pregnancy. • Pills are easy to take and are effective birth control that doesn't interrupt sex.

The "Shot" (Depo Provera) • You get a birth control shot once every 3 months from a doctor or nurse. • The shot is an easy method and almost 100 percent effective if you get your shot ON TIME.

Birth Control Patch (Ortho Evra) • The patch is a thin, stick-on square that is placed on your body to prevent the release of an egg.

• A new patch is used once a week for three weeks and the fourth week is patchfree. • The patch is almost 100 percent effective when used the right way.

Vaginal Ring (NuvaRing) • This small, soft plastic ring has hormones to prevent pregnancy. • You place a new ring in your vagina every month. • The ring is easy to use and is almost 100 percent effective.

Implant (Implanon) • The implant is a thin, 2-inch plastic rod that uses hormones to prevent pregnancy for 3 years. • A clinic doctor or nurse inserts it under the skin on the inside of your arm. • The implant is VERY effective.

IUD(ParaGard)/IUS(Mire na)  • These small devices are inserted into your uterus. • They work for 5-10 years. • They are VERY effective.

Diaphragm  • This is a rubber cap that needs to be fitted to your size by a clinic doctor or nurse. • It must be inserted into your vagina EACH time you have sex.

Sterilization  • If you don't want children or don't want any more children, getting your "tubes tied" (tubal ligation) or blocked are safe, effective procedures.

Emergency Contraception (Plan B)  • Emergency birth control pills or EC may be taken AFTER unprotected sex to prevent pregnancy. • EC reduces the risk of pregnancy when taken as soon as possible or within 5 days of sex.

• EC is NOT the same as the abortion pill and will NOT stop or harm the pregnancy or fetus if you are already pregnant. • Keep EC on hand as a back-up in case a condom breaks or another birth control method fails.

• You can get EC from the drugstore without a prescription if you are 18 or older (with one if you are under 18) or for low or nocost at a family planning clinic.

FOR MEN

MEN... YOU can . . • Decide if or when you want a child by using birth control. • Protect yourself and your partner from HIV or other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), like gonorrhea, chlamydia, or hepatitis.

• Gain peace of mind and have better sex knowing you are protecting yourself and your partner from the risks of unprotected sex. • No birth control method works 100 percent of the time. So unless you want to be a father, you should use your own method, don't just rely on your female partner's method.

Condoms (for men)  • Condoms protect you from both pregnancy AND STDs, including HIV. • Condoms give you the BEST protection when you use them in the right way EVERY time.

• Condoms are made of latex or thin plastic (polyurethane). Use plastic condoms if you have a latex allergy. Both are effective. • Keep condoms safe from heat, direct sunlight and oil-based lubricants as these may cause the condom to break. • You can get condoms at drugstores and some health clinics.

Withdrawal or "Pulling Out" • You are in control... • Withdrawal works when you pull your penis out and away from your partner's vagina BEFORE you ejaculate (cum).

• Withdrawal prevents sperm from entering a woman's body and reaching an egg. • Withdrawal does not protect you from STDs or HIV. • It may be hard to pull out. How well it works depends on being able to know when you will cum.

Abstinence • Abstinence from all sex protects you and your partner from pregnancy and STDs/HIV. • People can choose abstinence at any time and at any age.

Emergency Contraception (Plan B)  • Emergency birth control pills or EC may be taken by your female partner AFTER unprotected sex to prevent pregnancy. • EC reduces the risk of pregnancy when taken as soon as possible or within 5 days of sex.

• EC is NOT the same as the abortion pill and will NOT stop or harm the pregnancy or fetus if your partner is already pregnant. • Keep EC on hand as a back-up in case a condom breaks or you don't pull out in time.

• You can get EC for your female partner from the drugstore without a prescription if you are 18 or older (with one if you are under 18) or for low or nocost at a family planning clinic.

Vasectomy  • Simple procedures. Tubes that carry sperm to the penis are cut and sealed. • Permanent (not reversible) birth control and should be chosen only if you are sure you do not want a child. • Done in a clinic or doctor's office and take about 30 minutes.

• One of the safest, most effective and popular birth control methods. • A vasectomy will not change your sex drive, your ability to have sex or your orgasms.

• Many family planning clinics offer low or no-cost vasectomies.