Herpes       Chlamydia         Gonorrhea       Syphilis         HIV 

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI)

          Pubic Lice         Genital Warts        Hepatitis B and C                

 

What causes STI?

A bacteria or a virus. Remember, a germ is a germ is a germ.

 

How are they passed?

Through oral, anal and vaginal sex, some also through skin to skin contact (rubbing or grinding).

 

What happens once you get them?
Some can cause symptoms like:

S – sex organ discharge (anything unusual that comes out of the penis, vagina or anus)

I – irritation while peeing (burning pee, or having to go really badly and only a bit comes out)

G – genital itching (hard core itching, morning, noon and night)

N – noticeable pelvic pain (not to be confused with period cramps or a stomach ache; this is a deep, dull ache inside the lower belly and back)

S – skin changes (around the genital area and/or mouth, any lumps, bumps, rashes or other unusual spots)

However most people have no signs when they have an STI, but STI can still cause damage to your body if not treated or cured.

 

How do you get checked?

Go to a doctor (see the resource page of the website for Teen Clinics) and get tested. For testing click here. If you have an STI your doctor will prescribe medication. Meds may cure the STI, or treat it (some are not cureable, but can be easier to deal with when using meds).

 

 

How can I make sure I don’t get one?

The only 100% effective way to avoid getting an STI is not to have any sexual contact. This means no oral, anal or vaginal sex, and no skin-to-skin contact (rubbing without clothes).

If this is not realistic for you, the next best way is to always use a condom. If condoms are used all the time and put on correctly, they are the only way (other than not doing it) to prevent infection.

Click here to learn how to put on a condom.