teens ask the experts about STDs
teens ask: How can you tell if you have a sexually transmitted disease (STD), and how are they treated?
How you can usually tell if you have an STD?
A person can have a sexually transmitted disease or infection without any evidence of being sick. That's why a person can have an STD without knowing it. However, common signs and symptoms of STDs include:
- a sore, blister, ulcer or wart on the vagina or penis
- a discharge or drainage from the vagina or penis, sometimes with a bad odor
- itching in the genital area
- painful urination
How you get STDs
STDs are usually spread through an exchange of body fluids during one of the following:
- genital contact
- contact with infected surfaces and secretions
- contact with an infected sore, blister, ulcer or wart
- skin to skin contact with an infected person who appears healthy
STDs are infections caused by bacteria, viruses, and other microscopic, or smaller, organisms.
Importance of Early Diagnosis and Treatment
STDs are usually treated with antibiotics or other anti-infection medications. However, the medications must be very specific for the specific infectious agent involved. That's why it's very important to see a doctor as soon as you suspect that you have an STD.
Early diagnosis and treatment of STDs is very important in order to prevent complications like:
- PID (pelvic inflammatory disease) - See What It Means in the Health Power Glossary:
- sterility or infertility (inability to have children)
- an increased chance of affected females getting cancer of the cervix
- a chance of a female infecting her newborn's eyes.
The most common STDs are:
- HIV/AIDS
- Chlamydia
- Genital herpes
- Genital warts
- Gonorrhea
- Syphilis
- Trichomoniasis
The Health Power brochure on STDs, which can be ordered through its website, e-mail, or a phone call, has more detailed information about each of these STDs.
Teen Power's Bottom Line:
- Since you can't tell by looking at a person whether they have HIV or another STD, protect yourself to protect your future.
- There's no need to rush your decision about whether to have sex while you're still a teen.
- If you're sexually active, always say carefully, but mean it, No condom, No sex.
Remember what Teen Power says: "Better Safe than Sorry!"
Finally, also remember the Health Power motto:
Action's The Way 4 Health Power!