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What are STDs?
Sexually Transmitted
Diseases (STDs) are serious, sometimes painful, and can cause a lot of
damage.
Some STD infect your
sexual and reproductive organs. Others (HIV, hepatitis B, syphilis)
cause general body infections.
Sometimes you can have an
STD with no signs or symptoms. Other times, the symptoms go away on
their own. Either way, you still have the STD until you get treated.
A few STD cannot be
cured. But most STD can be cured if you get treated.
How
are STDs Spread?
STDs are spread during
sexual activity (vaginal, anal and oral sex). Some STD’s
(HIV and hepatitis B) are also spread by contact with infected blood.
Most STD germs need to
live in warm, moist areas. That’s why they infect the mouth, rectum
and sex organs (vagina, vulva, penis and testes).
What
to Do
If you think you might
have an STD, get checked out. Don’t just hope the STD will go away.
It won’t!
Most county health
departments have special STD clinics. Private doctors also treat STDs.
If you don’t know where
to get help, call your local health department for information.
Your case will be kept private.
You may feel embarrassed
about having an STD. It may be hard for you to go to a doctor or
clinic for help.
But you must get treatment
for the STD, even if it is hard thing for you to do. This is the only
way you will get well.
Most STDs can be
treated with antibiotics. Do exactly what your doctor tells you. 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!
For more information,
contact your medical provider or the Oklahoma City-County Health
Department 425-4430.
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