Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)
What Are Sexually Transmitted Diseases?
STDS are infections or viruses that are spread through sexual contact. This includes vaginal intercourse, anal intercourse, and oral sex. It is possible to get some STDs without having
intercourse through skin-to-skin contact. Most STDs are curable but some are not. Many people are not aware that they have an STD, they can look healthy but may still have a sexually transmitted
disease that can be passes on to another person.
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Types of STDs that Are Common in the Teenage Population
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HIV/AIDS – A virus that attacks the immune system and weakens your bodies response to protect against infections resulting in AIDS. Persons with HIV may have a purple discoloration on their
skin, unexplained weight loss, loss of appetite, persistent cough, fever, and a feeling of tiredness. This condition is treatable but not curable.
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Chlamydia – A bacterial infection that is treatable with antibiotics. Woman with Chlamydia may have a thin, clear, foul smelling discharge. If untreated this can affect a woman’s ability to
have children.
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Gonorrhea – A bacterial infection of the vagina, penis or anus that is treated with antibiotics. Gonorrhea causes a burning feeling during urination as well as a yellowish -green discharge.
Frequently there are no symptoms in the male or female.
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Herpes – A recurrent skin condition. This condition causes swollen, tender painful blister like lesions on the vagina, vulva, anus, penis or lips. Anti-viral medication can be given to
control recurrent outbreaks. There is no cure for Herpes.
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Human Papillomavirus Virus (HPV) – A viral infection that affects the vagina, penis, male genitalia, female genitalia, female cervix. Depending on the type of HPV involved, symptoms can vary
from cauliflower-like warty lesions, to ordinary warts, to being asymptomatic. Certain types of HPV can become cervical cancer. HPV can be spread without intercourse, through skin-to-skin
contact only.
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Prevention
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Abstinence, not having oral, vaginal or anal sex is the best form of protection. Remember it is possible to contact some forms of STDs without intercourse, through skin-to-skin contact.
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If you are sexually active, choose one partner that is only having sex with you. Limiting your number of sexual partners reduces your risk for contracting an STD.
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 The risk of getting an STD is increased by the number of sexual partners you or your partner have had in the past.
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Use a latex based male condom with topical spermicide. This should be used for any type of sex (vaginal, anal, or oral). Use the condom as soon as you begin intimate contact.
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Use a water-soluble lubricant with a latex condom such as (Astroglide, K-Y jelly). Other forms of lubricants can cause a condom to break (petroleum jelly, baby oil or moisturizers).
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Condoms only protect the penis, anus, mouth and vagina. It is possible to contact Herpes, or HPV from the male’s scrotum or the female's vulva where the virus might be present. These viruses
are spread from skin-to-skin contact.
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If you have unprotected sex, you may have an STD and not be aware of it.
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If you think you have an STD, you should be seen by a physician or nurse practitioner for testing and treatment. Talk to you parents, school nurse, or family doctor.
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You can call your local health department or Planned Parenthood clinic and ask about testing.
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If left untreated, STDs can lead to long-term problems like infertility, and possibly cancer.
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To access more information regarding condoms from SIECUS, see the Truth About Condoms Fact Sheet.
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For More Information
Web Sites
Planned Parenthood of Connecticut – Teen Source
Planned Parenthood of Connecticut – STDs
This web site provides information on a number of STDs. Just click on the STD you would like to learn more about.
Planned Parenthood of Connecticut – HIV/AIDS
Information about HIV/AIDS testing.
Planned Parenthood Federation of America – Teen Issues
This web site provides information especially for teens regarding diverse sexual/sexuality issues.
Division of STD Prevention (CDC)
Hotlines
CDC National STD and AIDS hotline
1-800-227-8922
Free Call
CDC National Prevention Information Network (NPIN)
1-800-458-5231
Free Call
National Center for HIV, STD, and TB Prevention (CDC)
1-888-CDC-FACT
1-888-232-3228
Free Call
American Social Health Association
1-800-230-6039
Free Call
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