What’s the worst that could happen when you have sex? Probably, if you’re like most everyone else, you’re worried about getting pregnant. But did you know that every single time you have sex, you’re actually 4 times more likely to get an STD than you are of getting pregnant?
Did you also know…
- STDs can be passed through all forms of sex and/or intimate skin-to-skin contact including intercourse, outercourse, oral sex, anal sex, and mutual masturbation.
- If you’re 15-24 years old, you are at the highest risk for getting an STD.
- Some STDs cannot be cured – you will have them for the rest of your life!
- Some STDs cause permanent damage – like infertility (not physically able to have kids in the future) or even death.
- You might have an STD without even knowing it! Some STDs are sneaky and do not always have noticeable symptoms. They can infect you or your partner without either of you knowing – yikes!
Got a question about STDs? Text us! 607.205.8506
We’d love to hear from you and give you answers to your questions!
While you’re here, check out Sense and Sexuality, a free resource from a doctor with the facts about STDs and your body. Just click on the brochure to the left!
We can also make arrangements for STD testing – it’s free & confidential, and you’d be smart to learn about your sexual health – we can help! Just text/call 607.205.8506 or email info@lifechoicescenter.org and ask about STD testing.
Click below for answers to some STD FAQ:
1. What about condoms? I’m safe from STDs when I use a condom, right?
2. How many kinds of STDs are there and what are the symptoms?
3. Can’t I just get a shot to protect me from all the STDs?
Sources:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved February 2013 from http://www.cdc.gov/
Egendorf, Laura, ed. 2007. Sexually Transmitted Diseases. New York, NY: Thompson Gale.
1. What about condoms? I’m safe from STDs when I use a condom, right?
There is no such thing as safe sex. Condoms may offer some protection, but they are not a 100% guarantee to avoid pregnancy and prevent STDs. The most for sure way to avoid STDs is to not have sex [abstain from vaginal, anal, and oral sex] or to be in a long-term, marriage relationship with your spouse who has been tested and is known to be uninfected.
And remember, condoms will never protect your heart and your mind.
- Condoms can’t prevent the pain of heartbreak when a relationship ends.
- Condoms can’t protect against unwanted memories and connections to past sexual partners long after those bonds are broken.
- Condoms can’t prevent the emotional, physical, and mental bonds that form when two people have sex.
Check out what we’re talking about here: Truth About Sex
2. How many kinds of STDs are there and what are the symptoms?
We’ve listed the most common STDs below. Click on each for a Fact Sheet describing symptoms and explanations.
- Bacterial Vaginosis
- Chlamydia
- Genital Herpes
- Gonorrhea
- HPV
- Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
- Syphilis
- Trichomoniasis
- STDs and Pregnancy
Fact Sheets are provided by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
3. Can’t I just get a shot to protect me from all the STDs?
You may be thinking about the Gardasil shot. However, there is not a universal shot that will protect you from all types of sexually transmitted diseases. The vaccines available only protect you from certain strands of HPV and will not protect you from sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
While a vaccine could lower your chances of getting genital warts or cervical cancer, the best way to avoid STDs and complications they cause is to not have sex or to be in a long-term, marriage relationship with your spouse who has been tested and is known to be uninfected.
Life Choices Center 