STDs: Common
Symptoms & Tips on Prevention
What are sexually transmitted diseases?
Sexually transmitted diseases
(STDs) are infections you can get by having sex with someone
who has an infection. These infections are usually passed by
having intercourse, but they can also be passed through other
types of sex. STDs can be caused by viruses or bacteria. STDs
caused by viruses include hepatitis B, herpes, HIV and the
human papilloma virus (HPV). STDs caused by bacteria include
chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis.
Am I at risk for having an STD?
If you've ever had sex, you may
be at risk for having an STD. Your risk is higher if you have
had many sex partners, have had sex with someone who has had
many partners or have had sex without using condoms. Some
common symptoms of STDs are listed in the box
below.
Should I be checked for STDs?
See your doctor if you're at risk
for having an STD, if you have any STD symptoms or if you have
concerns about whether you have one. STDs can cause problems
if left untreated.
For example, chlamydia can lead
to problems that can cause women not to be able to have
children. HPV can lead to cancer of the cervix or penis, and
syphilis can lead to paralysis, mental problems, heart damage,
blindness and death.
How are STDs diagnosed?
Most STDs can be diagnosed
through an exam by your doctor, a culture of the secretions
from your vagina or penis, or through a blood test.
Can STDs be prevented?
Yes. The only sure way to prevent
STDs is by not having sex. If you have sex, you can lower your
risk by only having sex with someone who isn't having sex with
anyone else and who doesn't have an STD.
You should always use condoms
when having sex, including oral and anal sex.
What else should I do?
Limit the number of sex partners
you have. Ask your partner if he or she has an STD and tell
your partner if you have had one. Talk about whether you've
both been tested for STDs and whether you should be
tested.
Look for signs of an STD in your
sex partner. But remember that STDs don't always show their
symptoms. Don't have sex if you or your partner are being
treated for an STD.
Wash your genitals with soap and
water and urinate soon after you have sex. This may help clean
away some germs before they have a chance to infect
you.
Do condoms prevent STDs?
Male latex condoms can reduce
your risk of getting an STD if used correctly (see the box
below). Be sure to use them every time you have sex, during
all types of sex, including vaginal, anal and oral sex. Female
condoms aren't as effective as male condoms, but should be
used when a man won't use a male condom.
Remember, though, that condoms
aren't 100% safe and can't protect you from coming in contact
with some sores, such as those that can occur with herpes, or
warts, which can occur with HPV infection.
Should I use a spermicide to help prevent
STDs?
No. It was once thought that
spermicides with nonoxynol-9 could help prevent STDs much like
they help prevent pregnancy -- by damaging the organisms that
cause the diseases. New research has shown that nonoxynol-9
can also irritate a woman’s vagina and cervix, actually
increasing the risk of STD infection.
Be sure to also check the
ingredients of any other sex-related products you own, such as
lubricants and condoms. Some brands of these products may have
nonoxynol-9 added to them. If you are unsure if your
spermicide or any other product contains nonoxynol-9, ask your
doctor before using it.
