STDs
Diseases that you can transmit by sexual contact are STDs. Contact may involve the mouth, penis, vagina or anus. Not everyone who has an STD has symptoms, so if you think it's possible that you may have contracted one, you should see a doctor for testing. Most STDs can be treated with antibiotics. Some are parasitic or viral, and require other treatment.
The only way to be sure to avoid STDs is to avoid sex. Mutually monogamous relationships between uninfected partners is also safe. If neither of these practices is satisfactory, then limiting the number of partners, use of a condom where appropriate, and being choosy about partners may help limit your exposure.
If you have an STD, the responsible thing to do is refrain from sex until your condition has been cleared up and your doctor or health care provider pronounces you safe. It's also responsible to let your partner(s) know they may have been exposed.
Recently Answered
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Raychelle Lohmann, PsychologyMany STDs are asymptomatic and the individual may not know he/she has been infected. If a teen is sexually active then it's important to get him/her tested for STDs. Young people between the ages of 15 and 24 account for about half of all STD cases.... Full Answer
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- Q Can gonorrhea cause problems during pregnancy?
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Dr. Angela Lowery, Family MedicineYes. Gonorrhea can affect pregnancy by causing early labor and the water to break. Gonorrhea can cause infections, blindness and even death, to the unborn baby. Full Answer
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- Q Can gonorrhea be cured?
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- Q What is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) in adolescents?
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An adolescent is susceptible to the same range of STD's as adults. They may contract herpes, syphilis, HIV/AIDS, gonorrhea, chlamydia, genital warts, etc. Unfortunately, some diseases are even more contagious and dangerous during adolescence, due to... Full Answer
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- Q What can I do to help prevent vaginal infections if I have chlamydia?
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Marcy Holmes, NursingIf you take antibiotics to treat something like an infection with chlamydia, you may be prone to getting a yeast infection as a side effect of antibiotic use. You can read up on ways to prevent yeast infections by avoiding sugar and yeasty foods, using... Full Answer
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- Q How do I know if someone has a sexually transmitted disease (STD)?
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Dr. Jill Grimes, Family MedicineThe difficult thing about sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) is that most are silent. Many people do not know if they have an STD. Don't be fooled by appearances -- the smart, educated, wealthy, witty, or even parent-approved dates are not... Full Answer
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- Q Who should get tested for sexually transmitted infections (STIs)?
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You must follow the given steps:Follow all your doctor's treatment orders. Even if the symptoms go away, you still need to finish treatment. If symptoms continue after treatment, see your doctor. Avoid any sexual activity while you are being treated for... Full Answer
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