What are sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)?STDs are diseases that are passed from one person to another through sexual contact. These include chlamydia, gonorrhea, genital herpes, human papillomavirus (HPV), syphilis, and HIV. Many of these STDs do not show symptoms for a long time. Even without symptoms, they can still be harmful and passed on during sex. Show
How are STDs spread?You can get an STD by having vaginal, anal or oral sex with someone who has an STD. Anyone who is sexually active can get an STD. You don’t even have to “go all the way” (have anal or vaginal sex) to get an STD. This is because some STDs, like herpes and HPV, are spread by skin-to-skin contact. How common are STDs?STDs are common, especially among young people. There were 26 million new sexually transmitted infections in 2018 in the United States. About half of these infections are in people between the ages of 15 and 24. Young people are at greater risk of getting an STD for several reasons:
What can I do to protect myself?
If I get an STD, how will I know?Many STDs don’t cause any symptoms that you would notice. The only way to know for sure if you have an STD is to get tested. You can get an STD from having sex with someone who has no symptoms. Just like you, that person might not even know he or she has an STD. Where can I get tested?There are places that offer teen-friendly, confidential, and free STD tests. This means that no one has to find out you’ve been tested. Visit GetTested to find an STD testing location near you. Can STDs be treated?Your doctor can prescribe medicine to cure some STDs, like chlamydia and gonorrhea. Other STDs, like herpes, can’t be cured, but you can take medicine to help with the symptoms. If you are ever treated for an STD, be sure to finish all of your medicine, even if you feel better before you finish it all. Ask the doctor or nurse about testing and treatment for your partner, too. You and your partner should avoid having sex until you’ve both been treated. Otherwise, you may continue to pass the STD back and forth. It is possible to get an STD again (after you’ve been treated), if you have sex with someone who has an STD. What happens if I don’t treat an STD?Some curable STDs can be dangerous if they aren’t treated. For example, if left untreated, chlamydia and gonorrhea can make it difficult—or even impossible—for a woman to get pregnant. You also increase your chances of getting HIV if you have an untreated STD. Some STDs, like HIV, can be fatal if left untreated. What if my partner or I have an incurable STD?Some STDs, like herpes and HIV, aren’t curable, but a doctor can prescribe medicine to treat the symptoms. If you are living with an STD, it’s important to tell your partner before you have sex. Although it may be uncomfortable to talk about your STD, open and honest conversation can help your partner make informed decisions to protect his or her health. If I have questions, who can answer them?If you have questions, talk to a parent or other trusted adult. Don’t be afraid to be open and honest with them about your concerns. If you’re ever confused or need advice, they’re the first place to start. After all, they were young once, too. Talking about sex with a parent or another adult doesn’t need to be a one-time conversation. It’s best to leave the door open for conversations in the future. It’s also important to talk honestly with a doctor or nurse. Ask which STD tests and vaccines they recommend for you.
You can add this content to your website by syndicating. How can you prevent the spread of STIs?Prevention. Abstain. The most effective way to avoid STIs is to not have (abstain from) sex.. Stay with one uninfected partner. ... . Wait and test. ... . Get vaccinated. ... . Use condoms and dental dams consistently and correctly. ... . Don't drink alcohol excessively or use drugs. ... . Communicate. ... . Consider male circumcision.. What are 4 ways to prevent STI?You can reduce your risk of STDs through the following methods:. Abstinence. Not having sex (including vaginal, oral or anal sex) is the most reliable way to prevent infection.. Get vaccinated. ... . Have fewer sexual partners. ... . Practice mutual monogamy. ... . Use condoms.. What are 3 main ways you can protect yourself and your partner from STIs?Here are six ways to protect yourself from STIs:. Get the facts. About 20 million new STIs occur in the United States every year, affecting people of all ages and backgrounds. ... . Talk to your partner. ... . Get tested. ... . Practice monogamy. ... . Use condoms. ... . Get vaccinated.. What is the 100% effective way to reduce the risk of STIs?The only 100% guaranteed way to avoid STDs is to not have any kind of sexual contact — like vaginal, anal, or oral sex, or skin-to-skin genital touching — with another person. No sex = no STDs. But if you do have sex, safer sex lowers your chances of getting an STD.
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