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.
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After you've been treated for chlamydia, there are certain follow-up steps you should take. Make sure you avoid sexual contact until you've completed your treatment. Medications are usually taken for only a few days, and the infection often goes away... Full Answer
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- Q Should I talk to my doctor about my chlamydia symptoms?
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If you have symptoms that you think may be caused by chlamydia, you should talk to your doctor. Symptoms usually are pretty mild, but you may notice painful urination or any discharge from the penis or vagina. Even if you notice something that seems... Full Answer
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- Q How can I get an STD from a toilet seat or a hot tub?
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Dr. Mehmet Oz, CardiologyOne of the most enduring urban legends concerns getting a sexually transmitted disease from a toilet seat or a hot tub. But can that really happen? "Do not worry about the toilet seat," Dr. Oz, Vice-Chair and Professor of Surgery at Columbia University,... Full Answer
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- Q Can pelvic inflammatory disease be prevented?
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Because pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is often caused by bacteria associated with sexually transmitted diseases, there are several ways you may prevent it, or at least reduce your risk. The only way to prevent PID is by avoiding sex. You can reduce... Full Answer
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- Q Can pelvic inflammatory disease cause permanent damage?
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- Q Does syphilis affect men differently than women?
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- Q Is there a cure for syphilis?
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If syphilis is treated in its early stages, it's almost always possible for it to be cured. For primary and secondary syphilis, an injection of penicillin usually cures the infection. However, if syphilis isn't treated till it's reached the tertiary... Full Answer
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- Q What follow-up care is necessary after syphilis treatment?
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- Q What is the rate of incidence of syphilis?
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