Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD’s),also known as Veneral Disease (VD), are caused by infection with viruses or bacteria.They can be spread by vaginal,anal,and oral sex, along with rubbing of genitals and in some cases kissing. Some of the most common STD’s are: chlamydia, gonorrhea, genital herpes, syphillis, hepatitis B, genital warts (condyloma), trichomonas, and pubic lice (crabs)and HIV.

Some common symptons of STD’s include:

-Pain or burning during urination
-Itching, swelling, or pain around the sex organs
-Discharge or dripping from the sex organs that smells or looks unusual,(different color than usual, i.e. yellow, green, brown)
-Sore, warts, or blisters around the sex organs or on the mouth

Symptoms may go away but an STD stays in your body unless treated!

Remember that some people may have an STD and not show symptoms,so Always protect yourself from becoming infected. To protect yourself from STD’s, abstinence (not having sex) is the safest method, but it you decide to have sex, make it SAFER SEX! Use a condom/dental dam every time!

If you think you might have an STD, go to the doctor and get tested. Depending on the type of STD, there are different tests, some using blood samples, and others using vaginal/penile fluids or urine.

(Please see the list of “Sexual Health Services”)