STDs

Don't Ignore

Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)

Herpes is spread by direct skin-to-skin contact. For example, STDs if you have a cold sore and kiss someone, you can transfer the virus from your mouth to theirs. If you have active genital herpes and have vaginal or anal intercourse, you can transfer the virus from your genitals to your partner's. Finally, if you have a cold sore and put your mouth on your partner's genitals (oral sex), you can give your partner genital herpes.

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Herpes also can be spread through sexual contact at times when there are no obvious signs or symptoms. Herpes is often transmitted by people who are unaware that they are infected or by people who simply don't recognize that their herpes infection is in its active phase.

What are the symptoms of STD?

Often there are no signs or symptoms. So if you've had sex with someone you think is infected with a STD, a test from the doctor may be the only sure way to tell if you're infected.

Because STDs can affect anyone, it's important to know what to look for in yourself and others. Be alert to body changes in the genital area. These warning signs might appear right away, or they might not show up for weeks or even months. Or they may come and go. Even if the signs and symptoms do disappear, the disease might still be active. STDs usually do not go away on their own.

Here are some signs or symptoms that may mean you have an STD:

	Unusual discharge or smell from your vagina
	Pain in your pelvic (lower belly) area or deep inside your vagina during sex
	Burning or itching around your vagina
	Bleeding from your vagina other than your regular menstrual periods
	Sores, bumps, or blisters near your sex organs, rectum, or mouth
	Burning or pain when you urinate
	Swelling or redness in your throat
	Swelling in the area around your sexual organs

Women bear a disproportionate burden of STD-related complications, including pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility, potentially fatal ectopic pregnancies, and cancer of the reproductive tract. Left untreated in women, it can cause pelvic inflammatory disease which is associated with ectopic pregnancy and even sterility.

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