Sexually Transmitted Diseases

A sexually transmitted disease (STD) is an infection that is passed during sex. An STD is spread during vaginal, anal, and oral sex, and sometimes by genital touching. Some STD's (like HIV and hepatitis B) are also spread by contact with infected blood. Sometimes you can have an STD with no signs or symptoms. Or the symptoms may go away. Either way, you still have the STD until you get treated. With some STD's (Herpes, HPV and HIV), you can only treat the symptoms, not cure the disease.

Warning Signs

Women:

• An unusual discharge or smell from the vagina
• Pain in your pelvic area--the area between your belly button and sex organs
• Burning or itching around your vagina
• Bleeding from your vagina that is not your regular period
• Pain deep inside your vagina when you have sex

Men:

• A discharge from your penis

Women & Men:

• Sores, bumps, or blisters near your sex organs, rectum, or mouth
• Burning & pain when you urinate or have a bowel movement
• Need to urinate often
• Itching around your sex organs
• A swelling or redness in your throat
• Flu-like feelings, with fever, chills, and aches
• Swelling in your groin--the area around your sex organs

What to Do

If you have any symptoms, stop having sex. Go to a doctor or STD clinic. Get checked now! Don't put it off.

• Don't just hope the STD will go away--it won't!
• Most county health departments have special STD clinics. Private healthcare providers also treat STDs
• You may feel embarrassed about having an STD. It may be hard for you to go to a clinic for help. But you must get treatment for the STD. This is the only way you will get well. 
• Many STDs can be treated with antibiotics. Be sure to use all of your medicine.
• You also must tell your sexual partner(s). If they aren't treated, they can get sick. They can spread the STD. They might even give it to you again!

Protection

Stay Safe

• Not having sex is the best way to protect yourself from STDs. Having sex with only one uninfected partner who only has sex with you is also safe.

If You Have Sex

• Use latex condoms with a water-based lubricant every time you have vaginal, anal, or oral sex. Condoms will help protect you from STD much of the time.
• Use plastic (polyurethane) condoms if you or your partner are allergic to latex
• Talk to your partner about past sex partner and about needle drug use. Don't have sex with someone who you think may have an STD
• Look closely at your partner for any signs of STD. If you see anything you're worried about, don't have sex!

Get Checked

• Get checked for STD regularly
• Know the signs and symptoms of STD. If you notice a symptom that worries you, get checked!

For more information about sexually transmitted diseases, visit the Center for Disease Control & Prevention website.

Source: Center for Disease Control & Prevention

Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) Testing

STD testing is available at the Major County Health Department on a walk-in basis. Walk-in clinic is held Monday through Friday, 8:00 to 5:00. Please call (580) 227-3362 for more information.