Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) Awareness Month

Apr 13th, 2005

During April we want to raise awareness of the widespread prevalence of Sexually Transmitted Diseases in our community. Americans of every age, race, religious cultural background and socioeconomic status are affected by sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Approximately 15.3 million people are diagnosed with STD's every year in the United States.
 
You are at risk of contracting a STD if:  (1) you or your partner have ever had another partner; (2) you don't know your partner's sexual history; (3) you have had unprotected sex (4) you have symptoms such as warts, sores (painful or painless), burning upon urination, penile or vaginal discharge, foul vaginal odor or redness in your genital area.
 
What is STD?
A STD is serious, sometimes painful, and can cause severe damage both physically and emotionally. STDs can infect more then your sexual and reproductive organs, HIV, Hepatitis B, Syphilis, gonorrhea have serious potential medical consequential that could require the care of medical specialist. Sometimes you can have a STD with no signs and symptoms. A few STD's cannot be cured, HIV, but most STDs can be treated with antibiotics but you must obtain prompt medical evaluation and treatment by a trained professional.
 
How is STD spread?
STD is spread during close, physical activity, including vaginal, anal and oral sex (either protected or unprotected). Some STDs (HIV and hepatitis B) are also spread by contact with infected blood. You must remember that it may not be necessary to actually have sexual intercourse to become infected with STD! 
 
What to do?
If you think you or your partner might have an STD, see your healthcare provider immediately. Don't just wait for symptoms to go away, in most cases they won't! Most STDs can be treated with antibiotics. Do exactly what your healthcare provider tells you. Be sure to take all of your medicine exactly as prescribed. It is vitally important that your partner receive treatment, we can discuss this situation with you and provide guidance on the best methods available to inform your partner of the situation. In some situations we can notify your partner WITHOUT MENTIONING YOU!!! If your partner is not treated you could be re-infected or your partner could become sick themselves or they might infect someone else.
 
Protect yourself!
You can protect yourself from STDs by:

• Not having sex is the best way to protect you from STD.
  
• Having sex with only one uninfected partner.
  
• Discuss your sexual history with your partner and their sexual history as well as IV drug use.
  
• Before you have sex, look closely at your partner for any signs of STD - a rash, a sore or discharge. If you see anything you are worried about don't have sex!
  
• Use a latex condom (rubber). Condoms will help protect you from STD much of the time.  Both men and women are advised to carry condoms. Individuals who are allergic to latex should use plastic (polyurethane) condoms. These come in both male and female styles. A condom will only protect you if it is used properly before any physical contact. There is also a proper method for removing a condom; we can provide you instructions if needed.
  
• Get checked for STD regularly. Ask your healthcare provider to help you decide how often and which tests you should have.
  
• Know the signs and symptoms of STD. If you notice a symptom that worries you, get checked out!
  
• If you have an STD, your partner(s) must get tested and treated too.
  
• If you have an STD, don't have sex until your treatment is complete.

 
If you think you or your partners have any STD, don't have sex until you see a doctor and receive complete treatment. For more information call the Mobile County Health Department STD clinic at 690-8153 or visit http://www.cdc.gov/nchstp/dstd/disease_info.htm.