STD Prevention and Awareness

How to prevent getting an STD:

• Consider that not having sex or sexual relations is the only sure way to prevent STDs.
• Use a latex condom every time you have sex. (If you use a lubricant, make sure it is water-based.)
• Limit your number of sexual partners. The more partners you have, the more likely you are to catch an STD.
• Practice monogamy. This means having sex with only one person. That person must also have sex with only you to reduce your risk.
• Choose your sex partners with care. Don't have sex with someone whom you suspect may have an STD.
• Get checked for STDs. Don't risk giving the infection to someone else.
• Don't use alcohol or drugs before you have sex. You may be less likely to use a condom if you are drunk or high.
• Know the signs and symptoms of STDs. Look for them in yourself and your sex partners.
• Learn about STDs. The more you know about STDs, the better you can protect yourself.

* The most common STDs for high school and college students are:

• Genital herpes
• Human papilloma virus/Genital warts
• Hepatitis B
• Chlamydia
• Syphilis
• Gonorrhea ("Clap")

What do I do after I get an STD?

The first thing you should do once you think you may have an STD is to see a doctor and seek treatment as soon as possible. You should also stop having sex with other people until you know for sure. Many STDs are treated with antibiotics. If you are given an antibiotic to treat an STD, it’s important that you take all of your medicine, even if your symptoms go away. Also, never take someone else’s medicine to treat your disease. By doing so, you may make it more difficult to treat the infection. Likewise, you should not share your medicine with others. If you do have an STD, it is easy to prevent spreading the disease to others.

• Stop having sex until you see a doctor and are treated.
• Follow your doctor's instructions for treatment.
• Use condoms whenever you have sex, especially with new partners.
• Don't resume having sex unless your doctor says it's okay, when both you and your partners are infection free.
• Return to your doctor to get rechecked.
• Be sure your sex partner or partners also are treated.

National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention. Retrieved August 28, 2008, from the Department of Health and Human Services’ Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Web Site: http://www.cdc.gov/nchhstp/.