Get checked, stay protected. Your guide to understanding the most common sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). The only way to ensure you avoid STDs is to NOT have sex. This means no vaginal, anal, or oral sex!
Myth: If my partner had an STD, I would know. The majority of infected individuals NEVER get a symptom. The only way you can know for sure if you have an STD or not is to get tested. Untreated STD's can cause complications such as infertility. So even if you and your partner both think you are STD free, it is best to get checked by a health care provider. Myth: If someone gets an STD, they must be "dirty" or have lots of partners. You can get an STD even though you only have one partner. STD's do not discriminate. You can get one no matter your age, race, gender, social class, or profession. Myth: You can get STDs from a toilet seat. They are called "sexually transmitted diseases" for a reason... they are spread through sexual contact! This includes oral, anal, or vaginal contact. The proper use of condoms, getting vaccinations, and regular STD testing can help reduce your chances of getting infected.
There are an estimated 20 million new STD infections in the U.S. every year andnearly half of those new infections are to people 24 years old and younger. The only way to ensure you avoid STD's is to NOT have sex this means no vaginal, anal, or oral sex! If you are sexually active it is important to correctly use condoms every time you have sexual contact to reduce your risk of getting an infection. Limiting the number of partners you have is also a reliable way to avoid STD's. If you are sexually active you should be tested at least annually. However, you should also get tested anytime you have a new partner or are unsure of your partner's STD status. STD testing is FREE at Three Rivers Public Health Department. STD testing and birth control services are available to individuals of all ages, with or without parental consent.
Call me BV for short. Although my actual cause is still unknown, an imbalance of vaginal bacteria sometimes brough on by douching, not using condoms during sex, or new or multiple sexual partner(s) can increase your chances of getting me. You can expect me to cause an off-white vaginal discharge with a fishy smell or nothing at all. I increase your risk of getting some other STDs. Treatable with antibiotics.
I'm one of the most common STDs and affect people under age 25 at a high rate. Most women and men who catch me don't have symptoms so they don't know they have me and infect other people. I can cause serious problems like pelvic inflammatory disease (PID - read about PID on the next page), infertility and tubal pregnancy. Women under age 25 and men who have sex with men (MSM) should be tested at least yearly for me. Treatable with antibiotics.
I'm caused by certain strains of HPV (read about HPV on the next page). I look like small, flesh-colored bumps that cluster together at the opening of the vagina or anus or on the penis and sometimes itch. There is a vaccination available to help prevent me. Treatable with prescription cream, surgery, laser or freezing procedures.
HSV-1 & HSV-2 can be spread by touching another person who already has me, even if the person has no symptoms; this is called viral shedding. You can also become infected by touching one of my sores or the body fluids of an infected partner. After my first infection, I may come back from time to time in the form of small clusters of sores. This infection persists for life, BUT antiviral medication is available to help decrease transmission to partner(s) and to treat outbreaks.
Does the CLAP sound familiar? That's my nickname. Men who have me may have burning when they pee and yellow discharge from their penis. Women usually don't know they have me. Men who have sex with men (MSM) are at high risk of catching me. Women under age 25 and MSM should be tested at least yearly for me. Like Chlamydia, I can cause serious problems, like PID, tubal pregnancy and infertility. Treatable with antibiotics.
I spread through blood or bodily fluids of infected individuals, through shared drug needles, and/or from mother-to-baby during pregnancy, delivery or breastfeeding. In my initial stages I can cause severe flu-like symptoms. Treatment is important! Without treatment, I am the virus that can lead to AIDS. Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) Medication
I exist in 40 different strains that affect the anal and genital areas, some causing warts, the others causing pre-cancer and cancer. There are vaccinations for some strains and there are medications for removing warts caused by me. Vaccination for some types, Medication for warts.
I am usually caused by untreated Chlamydia or Gonorrhea. I cause infection and inflammation of the uterus, fallopian tubes and/or the ovaries. STD screening and early treatment of infections can reduce the risk of developing me so get tested regularly. Treatable with antibiotics.
I am spread by blood and bodily fluids of infected individuals and/or through shared drug needles. I show symptoms in 4 stages: 1) Primary: single, painless sore that lasts 3-6 weeks; 2) Secondary: up to 180 days after the first sore I cause skin rashes, lesions in the mouth, vagina or anus; 3) Hidden Stage: this is caused when someone does not seek treatment and shows no additional symptoms; 4) Late Stage: this stage is dangerous and can cause damage to internal organs, including the brain. Treatable with antibiotics.
I go by "Trick" and most of the time people (especially males) don't know I have infected them. When my symptoms do show up it is usually in women and I can cause vaginal discharge that might be a yellow-green color. I am spread by unprotected sex, so the best way to prevent me is by using condoms during sex. Treatable with antibiotics.
Our Mission
Three Rivers Public Health Department's Mission is to empower and educate families while promoting healthy living for the improvement of our communities.
Our Vision
Three Rivers Public Health Department's Vision is that in cooperation with our communities, we will always be compassionate and respectful in all of our public health endeavors.