Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs):
A Guide for Teens
You may have heard about AIDS, gonorrhea, herpes, HPV, or syphilis. These are all examples of Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs). You may also hear the term Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) or the term Venereal Disease (VD), which was also used until the 1990s. In this health guide we use the more commonly known term STD.
There are over 30 types of STDs. STDs are diseases that are spread from an infected person to another person through direct body contact or contact with infected body fluids such as oral, anal, and/or vaginal contact. STDs affect the genital area and can affect other parts of the body through direct contact or because the disease spreads to other parts of the body.
Here are some answers to your questions about STDs:
What are the symptoms of an STD?
How can I prevent getting an STD?
What should I do if I think I have an STD?
Are STD tests always accurate?
What should I do if I have an STD?
If I’ve had an STD, can I get it again?
Can STDs cause serious problems?
What is the relationship between STDs and HIV?
What is the relationship between STDs and pregnancy?
Who gets STDs? 
Anyone who has sexual contact can get an STD. Men and women of all ages, ethnic backgrounds, and incomes can get them. STDs are most common among teens and young adults. This is because young people are more likely to have more than one sexual partner and to take risks (like not wearing a condom).
How are STDs spread?
STDs are spread through contact with infected body fluids, such as blood, vaginal fluids, or semen. They can also be spread through contact with infected skin or mucous membranes, like sores in the mouth. You may be exposed to infected body fluids and skin through vaginal, anal, or oral sex if you don't correctly use a latex condom. Anal sex is very risky because it usually causes bleeding. You can also be exposed to infected body fluids by sharing needles or syringes for drug use, ear piercing or tattooing.
Most STDs are only spread through direct sexual contact with an infected person. However, pubic lice and scabies can be spread through close personal contact with an infected person, or with infested clothes, sheets, or towels.
What are the symptoms of an STD?
An STD may not cause any symptoms. Symptoms vary for each STD, but they include:
If you have any of these symptoms, you could have an STD. Talk to your health care provider right away and get checked out to be safe.
How can I prevent getting an STD?
The best way to prevent getting an STD is to not have sex. There are many other ways to be intimate in a romantic relationship without having sex.
If you do decide to have sex, it is safest to have sex with only one partner. Your partner should only have sex with you. Remember, the more partners you have, the greater your risk of getting an STD. You should ask your partner if he/she has an STD, has been exposed to an STD, or has physical symptoms of an STD. You should also ask your partner if he/she has ever injected drugs. You should not have sex with anyone that has signs of an STD (sores, rashes, or discharge from the genital area). It is possible that your partner has an STD without having any symptoms and could pass it on to you. If you think your partner could have an STD, even if he/she doesn't show symptoms, have him/her get tested and don’t have sex with that person.
You need to make sure that you correctly use a new latex condom every time you have oral, anal, or vaginal sex. If you are allergic to latex, use a polyurethane male or female condom. Condoms are your best and only protection against STDs, although they still aren't 100% effective. A condom should be placed on the penis before it touches the vagina, anus, or mouth of another person. Along with a condom, you should also use a water-based lubricant to keep the condom from breaking. Never use lubricants that contain oil or fat, like petroleum jelly (VaselineTM) or cooking oil. These products weaken latex and can cause the condom to break.
Some STDs can't be cured, so you should always practice safer sex. Safer sex means finding ways to be intimate while lowering the risk of spreading an STD. This means preventing the passing of body fluids such as blood, semen, and vaginal fluids, and avoiding direct oral, anal, or genital contact (by using a latex condom).
Other ways you can prevent getting an STD include:
What should I do if I think I have an STD?
If you have any symptoms of an STD, any unexplained problems, or you think you may have been exposed to an STD (even if you don't have symptoms), see your health care provider right away and get tested. You can't correctly test and diagnose yourself with an STD. Only your health care provider can do that. Most STDs can be treated. The earlier you get treatment, the better. More serious problems can develop if you wait. Whenever possible, treatment is given in a single dose, but sometimes, you need to take medication over a period of time.
Are STD tests always accurate?
No test for any STD is 100% accurate. Some STDs don't show up right away and most health care providers can test for only a few of the many STDs. Typically, you may get tested for gonorrhea, Chlamydia, and HIV, but you are unlikely to be tested for herpes, HPV, hepatitis, and other infections.
If you think you have an STD, get tested. You may have to go back again to get tested if you test negative. Even if you test negative, keep practicing safer sex because you and your partner are not tested for lots of STDs. Talk to your health care provider about speaking with a counselor if you have concerns.
What about confidentiality?
Ask your health care provider about their policy related to confidentiality. There are laws that allow you to get confidential care for the diagnosis and treatments of STDs. That means that the health care provider will keep this information private unless he/she believes that you are a danger to yourself or others, or that you aren't able to make decisions on your own. So your parents, teachers, partners, or friends can't find out any information from your health care provider about STDs. However, you may find it very helpful to talk to your parents about your health and your worries. This can be a scary time for you and it is always good to have someone to talk to.
What should I do if I have an STD?
You need to tell all sex partner(s) who may have been exposed. Try to get them to get tested. If you feel that you cannot tell your partner(s), talk to your health care provider. He/she will help you to tell your partner(s) or will help you find another way to let your partner(s) know he/she has been exposed. You and your current sexual partner(s) need to get treated at the same time to prevent re-infecting each other. Make sure you follow your health care provider's directions on taking medication and make sure you finish all of the medicine, even if you feel better. Schedule a follow-up exam with your health care provider after you have finished treatment. Don't have sex again until your health care provider says you are cured. If you are concerned or upset about having an STD, think about getting counseling. Your health care provider can help you find a counselor.
If I've had an STD, can I get it again?
Yes! You can get the same STD again if you have sex, especially without a condom. You can also have more than one STD at a time.
Can STDs cause serious problems?
If left untreated, STD’s can cause serious illness and damage to your body. It is essential to be diagnosed and treated as soon as possible.
What is the relationship between STDs and HIV?
Having syphilis, genital herpes, and other infections that cause genital or anal sores makes a person more likely to acquire HIV infection..
What is the relationship between STDs and pregnancy?
Pregnant women with STDs may have miscarriages or may pass on their STD to their baby. STDs can also cause low birth weight and premature babies. Babies with infected mothers can have problems like pneumonia, eye infections, and brain damage.
You should contact your health care provider immediately if you think you have an STD. If it turns out you don't have an STD, your provider can still help, and save you a lot of worrying. If it is an STD, the sooner your health care provider begins to treat it, the better your chances are of curing it or stopping it from getting worse. |
Updated 2/15/2008
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