Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Everyone who has sex needs to know about sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)

STDs can be passed from one person to another through vaginal, anal or oral intercourse; Some STDs can also be passed through kissing and intimate touching; Some STDs are passed through sharing needles for injection drugs, steroids, vitamins and hormones, body piercing or tattoos; Some of the most common STDs are Chlamydia, Hepatitis B, Herpes, Gonorrhea, Syphilis, and HIV.

• Chlamydia - Most people with chlamydia don't have symptons; Possible symptons may include an unusual genital discharge, pain and burning when urinating; Chlamydia is treated and cured with antibiotics; If not treated, chlamydia can cause sterility in both women and men
• Hepatitis B - Hepatitis B is commonly passed through unprotected sex and sharing needles; There is a vaccine to prevent Hepatitis B; Possible symptons may include fever, diarrhea, and vomiting, but, you may not have symptons; Hepatitis B can cause serious liver damage
• Herpes - Herpes can be passed through kissing, intimate touching and unprotected sex; Symptons include an itching and burning sensation and oral or genital blisters; Herpes symptons often go away and come back later; symptons can be controlled with medication; Herpes cannot be cured
• Gonorrhea/Syphilis - Many people with gonorrhea have no symptons; If not treated gonorrhea can cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in women and swelling around the testicles in men; Syphilis is spread by contact with open sores (usually during sex); Gonorrhea can be treated and cured with antibiotics; Syphilis, if treated early, can be cured with antibiotics
• HIV - is the virus that causes AIDS; you can't tell by looking if someone has HIV; having another STD increases your risk of getting HIV

Note: This information is not a substitute for professional medical care. 
If you have any questions or concerns, please talk with a health care provider.

(information excerpted from Journeyworks Publishing pamphlet - 50 Things You Need to Know About STIs)