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BIRTH
CONTROL FACTS
Effectiveness
(chances of NOT getting pregnant)
What
is Abstinence?
- Refraining from vaginal, anal,
or oral intercourse.
Advantages
of Abstinence:
- No risk of unintended pregnancy.
- No risk of becoming infected with
a sexually transmitted disease.
- Opportunities to express feelings
and affection for another in other ways.
Disadvantages
of Abstinence:
- Both partners must agree
to honor this choice.
- Partners must have excellent
communication skills; yes must mean yes and no must mean no.
- May need emergency contraception
method if this method fails.
How
do I decide?
- Are you comfortable expressing
your feelings for another in nonsexual ways?
- Is your partner in agreement?
- Does this method fit with
your religious or moral beliefs?
- Is abstinence the best decision
for you?
Condom
- Female
Effectiveness
(chances of NOT getting pregnant)
What
is the female condom?
- Over the counter barrier
method of birth control.
- It is polyurethane (plastic)
sheath with an inner ring that fits inside the vagina, around
the cervix (like the diaphragm) and an outer ring that covers
the outside labia.
- After the man ejaculates,
you must twist the end close and gently pull from the vagina.
Advantages
of the female condoms
- Can be inserted into the
vagina up to eight hours before sexual intercourse.
- Can be used with spermicides
to increase STD protection.
- Provides protection against
some sexually transmitted diseases and HIV.
- Can be used by people allergic
to latex or spermicides or by those who can't take hormones.
- Made from polyurethane plastic,
which conducts body heat.
- Erection unnecessary
to keep female condom in place.
- Some women and men have
an increased sensitivity or "natural" feel compared
to male condoms.
- Can be purchased without
a prescription.
- Does not interfere with
breast-feeding.
Disadvantages
of the female condoms
- You may experience the following:
- Difficulty inserting and/or
keeping in place.
- Cannot be combined with
male condoms as they pull each other off.
- May be noisy (add more lubricant
if this is a problem).
- May irritate vagina or penis.
- More expensive than male
latex condoms.
- Must be used every time
you have sex.
After the man ejaculates,
you must twist the end close and gently pull from the vagina.
How
do I decide?
- Are you comfortable touching
your vaginal area?
- Will you remember to use
it every time you have sex?
- Does this method fit with
your religious or moral beliefs?
- Is the female condom the
best method for you?
Reminder: This method
provides some protection against sexually transmitted diseases
(STD's) including HIV and Hepatitis B. Using condoms consistently
can help provide protection from STD's.
Condom - Male
Effectiveness
(chances of NOT getting pregnant)
What
is a male condom?
- Made out of latex (rubber),
but polyurethane and tactylon (both plastic) are available.
- Over the counter barrier
method of birth control.
Advantages
of the male condom
- Easy to get and relatively
inexpensive.
- Can be discontinued at any
time.
- Provides some protection
from sexually transmitted diseases and HIV.
- Reliable method for people
who cannot use hormonal birth control methods.
- Responsibility of both partners.
- Can be purchased without
a prescription.
- Does not interfere with
breast-feeding.
Disadvantages
of the male condom-- you may experience the following:
- Non-cooperative partner.
- Some irritation or sensitivity
to latex.
- Difficulty using condoms
correctly.
- Must use a new condom with
every sex act.
- Some men say it reduces
sexual feelings.
- Must be rolled onto an erect
penis before sexual intercourse, can interrupt foreplay.
Spillage
or leaking of sperm is possible if condom is put on or removed
incorrectly.
How
should I decide?
- Will you remember to use
it every time you have sex?
- Will your partner be cooperative
in the use of this method?
- Can you or your partner
maintain an erection?
- Does this method fit with
your religious or moral beliefs?
- Is the condom the best method
for you?
Reminder::This method provides
some protection against sexually transmitted diseases STD's, including
HIV, and Hepatitis B. Using condoms consistently can help to protect
you from STD's.
Depo-Provera
- The Shot
Effectiveness
(chances of NOT getting pregnant)
What
is Depo-Provera?
- It is an injection given
every 3 months.
- It contains synthetic progesterone.
- It stops ovulation, and/or
thickens the cervical mucus to prevent sperm from passing through.
- It is a reversible method
of birth control given only by prescription.
Advantages
of Depo-Provera
- Does not interfere with
sex.
- Only need to get a shot
4 times a year.
- May stop menses or make
them very light.
- Excellent alternative for
women 35 and older who smoke.
- Reduces the risk of ovarian
and endometrial cancer.
Disadvantages
of Depo-Provera
- Irregular or unpredictable
bleeding or spotting.
- Weight gain, especially
right after pregnancy.
- It may delay your chances
of getting pregnant after the shots are stopped. It can take
between six and eighteen months for menstruation and ovulation
to return consistently. This does not mean that you are protected
from pregnancy during this time. Use alternate protection, such
as condoms.
- Does not protect against
sexually transmitted diseases (see warning below).
- You must go to the clinic
or doctor's office 4 times a year.
How
Do I Decide?
- Is getting a shot a problem for
you?
- Do you have any medical problems
that will prevent you from taking Depo-Provera? Do you have
liver disease, breast cancer or blood clots in your arms, legs
or lungs?
- Do you have sex frequently or not
very often, if not very often do you want extra hormones in
your body all the time?
- Does this method fit with your
religious, or moral beliefs?
- Is
the Depo-Provera shot the best decision for you?
Reminder: This method does not
provide any protection against sexually transmitted diseases (STD's)
including HIV and Hepatitis B. Using condoms consistently can help
provide protection from STD's.
Diaphragm
Effectiveness
(chances of NOT getting pregnant)
- 80-94% (during first year
of use and whether or not you have delivered a child)
What
is a diaphragm?
- Barrier type birth control method
prescribed by your family planning clinician.
- A dome shaped rubber cup
with flexible rim that covers the cervix and is inserted into
the vagina before intercourse.
- Used in combination with
spermicidal jelly or cream.
Advantages
of the diaphragm?
- Simple to use.
- No serious systemic side
effects.
- Does not require partner
involvement.
- Good for persons who do
not have sex on a regular basis.
- Decreases risk of some sexually
transmitted diseases.
- Does not interrupt lovemaking.
- Decreases risk of cervical
cancer.
- Does not interfere with
breast-feeding.
Disadvantages
of the diaphragm?
- Consistent and correct use
is required to prevent pregnancy.
- Persons with allergies to
latex or spermicides cannot use.
- Increased risks for developing
urinary tract infections (UTI's).
- Remains in vagina for at
least 6 hours after intercourse.
- Repeated sexual intercourse
requires additional spermicide.
- Must remove within 24 hours
to avoid risk of toxic shock syndrome (TSS).
- Must replace diaphragm every
two years.
How
Do I Decide?
- Are you comfortable touching
your vagina?
- Are you comfortable inserting
a medical device into your vagina?
- Do you have sex frequently
(more than three times weekly)? If so you may want to use another
method.
- Are you sensitive or allergic
to latex or spermicidal products?
- Does this method fit with
your religious or moral beliefs?
- Is the diaphragm the best
method for you?
Reminder: This method may not provide
protection against some sexually transmitted diseases (STD's) including
HIV and Hepatitis B. Using condoms consistently can help provide
protection from STD's.
ECP
or Emergency Contraceptive Pills
Effectiveness
(chance of NOT getting pregnant)
What
is the ECP or Emergency Contraceptive Pills?
- An emergency contraceptive method
used after sexual intercourse to prevent pregnancy.
- Is most effective when used within
12 hours of unprotected intercourse or contraceptive accident.
- ECP can be used up to 72 hours
or three days after unprotected sex.
- ECP only works if a woman is not
already pregnant.
- Interferes with egg development.
- Prevents or delays ovulation.
- Inhibits fertilization.
Advantages
of ECP or Emergency Contraceptive Pills
- Only method of contraception
used to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex.
- Only method used to prevent
pregnancy after male condom slipped, broke, or leaked.
- Only method used to prevent
pregnancy after a woman's diaphragm or cervical cap was inserted
incorrectly, removed too early, or found to be torn.
- Only method used to prevent
pregnancy after a woman has missed one or more of oral contraceptives.
- Only method used to prevent
pregnancy when a female condom was inserted or removed incorrectly.
Disadvantages
of ECP or Emergency Contraceptive Pills
- Does not work if already
pregnant.
- Limited time frame (ECP
must be used within 72 hours or three days after unprotected
sex). · Is not an ongoing method of contraception.
- Ectopic (tubal) pregnancy
may be a possible result.
- ECP changes the amount,
duration, and timing of the next menstrual period in about 10
to 15% of women treated.
- There is still a chance
of pregnancy. If menstrual cycle does not start in 7 days, consider
pregnancy and contact your family planning clinician.
- Does not provide protection
from sexually transmitted diseases.
How
do I decide?
- Do you want to be pregnant?
- Do you understand that there
is a possibility of pregnancy after taking ECP?
- Do you have unprotected
sex frequently?
- Is 72 hours enough time
for you to make a decision and get ECP?
- Does
this method fit with your religious or moral beliefs?
Reminder:
This method does not
provide any protection against sexually transmitted diseases (STD's)
including HIV and Hepatitis B. Using a condom consistently can help
protect you from STD's.
Intrauterine
Device ("IUD")
Effectiveness
(chances of NOT getting pregnant)
What
is an IUD?
- Small plastic device which
is placed in the uterus by a clinician.
- Prevents sperm from fertilizing
egg.
- Some contain synthetic progesterone
others have copper on them.
- It is a reversible method
of birth control given only by prescription.
Advantages
of the IUD
- Easy to use, low maintenance
method.
- Easily inserted and removed
in a clinic or doctor's office.
- Has no systemic side effects.
- Depending on the type they
can be left in place 1, 5, or 10 years.
- Reduces the risk of tubal
pregnancy.
- Does not interfere with
breast-feeding.
Disadvantages
of the IUD
- Must be inserted and removed
in a clinic or doctor's office.
- Easily inserted and removed
in a clinic or doctor's office.
- May be some cramping or
pain at the time of insertion.
- May experience increased
bleeding or cramping during periods.
- May experience spotting
between periods.
- Should not be used by women
with multiple sex partners because this increases exposure to
STD's, which significantly increases the risk of pelvic inflammatory
disease (PID).
How
Do I decide?
- Does this method fit with
your religious or moral beliefs?
- Do you have sex frequently?
(The IUD functions 24 hours a day.)
- Decide if it fits your birth
control needs.
- Is the IUD the best method
for you?
Reminder: This method
does not provide protection against sexually transmitted diseases
(STD's) including HIV and Hepatitis B. Using a condom consistently
can help prevent STD's.
Oral
Contraceptives ("The Pill")
("The
Pill") Effectiveness (chances of NOT getting pregnant)
- 95% - 99% (1-5 in 1000 women
become pregnant during their first year of using the pill)
What
is the Pill?
- Synthetic hormones (progesterone
and/or estrogen) like those produced by the body to regulate
the menstrual cycle.
- Pregnancy is prevented because
the pill stops ovulation and/or thickens the cervical mucus
by stopping sperm from passing through.
- Reversible method of birth
control given only by prescription.
Advantages
of the Pill
- Doesn't interfere with sex.
- Regulates the menstrual
cycle. Reduces menstrual flow and
cramping.
- Decreases acne outbreaks.
- Reduces the risk of ovarian
and endometrial cancer.
- Most popular method used.
Disadvantages
of the Pill
- Must be taken every day
at the same time each day.
- Can not be used if you are
35 or older and smoke.
- Does not prevent sexually
transmitted diseases (see warning below).
- Increased risk of heart
attack, stroke, or blood clots (in lungs, legs, or arms), especially
if you smoke more than 10 cigarettes a day, or are over 35 and
smoke
How
do I decide?
- Can you remember to take
a pill every day?
- Do you have sex frequently
or not very often?If not very often, do you want to take a pill
every day?
- Are there some medical problems
that prevent you from taking the pill?
- Do you have liver disease,
breast cancer and/or blood clots in lungs, legs, or arms?
- Is the pill the best method
for you?
Reminder:
This method does not
provide any protection against sexually transmitted diseases (STD's)
including HIV and Hepatitis B. Using a condom consistently can help
to protect you from STD's.
Vaginal
Spermicides
Effectiveness
(chances of NOT getting pregnant)
- 50-95% (among typical users
in the first year of use)
What
are vaginal spermicides?
- A chemical birth control
method that kills sperm and prevents pregnancy.
- Comes in the form of gel,
foam, cream, film, suppository, or tablet.
What
are the advantages of vaginal spermicides?
- A relatively safe contraceptive
method when combined with the use of a barrier method (condom,
diaphragm, cervical cap).
- May lower the chance of
becoming infected with a bacterial sexually transmitted disease.
- Can be purchased without
prescription.
- Depending on the amount
purchased is relatively inexpensive.
- Immediate protection is
available.
- Good method for persons
who have sexual intercourse infrequently or not very often.
- Simple back up method for
women waiting to start the pill or have an IUD inserted, or
for forgetting to take pill or running out of pills.
- Provides lubrication during
intercourse especially with condom use.
- Male partner does not need
to be involved in decision to use product.
- Does not interfere with
breast feeding.
What
are the disadvantages of vaginal spermicides?
- Allergic reactions or hypersensitivity
to ingredients may occur.
- Some persons may have difficulty
inserting properly.
- Abnormal vaginal anatomy
(e.g. prolapsed uterus) may interfere with proper insertion.
- Poor protection from HIV
exposure.
How
do I decide?
- Are you sensitive or allergic
to ingredients in product?
- Do you have sexual intercourse
infrequently? This may a good choice for you.
- Are you comfortable touching
your vagina?
- Do you want to use vaginal
spermicides as a backup?
- Does this method fit with
your religious or moral beliefs?
- Your decision should be
what is best for you.
Reminder:
This method does not
provide any protection against sexually transmitted diseases (STD's)
including HIV and Hepatitis B. Using condoms consistently can help
provide protection from STD's.
Sterilization
- Female
Effectiveness
(chances of NOT getting pregnant)
What
is female sterilization?
- A surgical intervention
that mechanically blocks the fallopian tube to prevent the sperm
and egg from uniting.
Advantages
of female sterilization
- Very reliable and effective
method of contraception.
- Permanent method.
- No long term side effects.
- Does not interrupt lovemaking.
- Does not require partner
involvement.
- Nothing to remember or buy.
- Does not interfere with
breast-feeding.
Disadvantages
of female sterilization
- Permanent method.
- Difficult and expensive
to reverse surgical procedure.
- Requires skilled surgeon
to perform procedure.
- Expensive procedure.
- Possible ectopic (tubal)
pregnancy if method fails.
- No protection against . sexually transmitted diseases
How
Do I Decide?
- Are you sure you do not
want any more children?
- Are you willing to have
an operation to prevent pregnancy?
- Have you considered other
methods?
- Does this method fit with
your religious or moral beliefs?
Your decision for female
sterilization should be what is best for you.
Reminder: This method does not
provide any protection against sexually transmitted diseases
(STD's) including HIV and Hepatitis B. Using condoms consistently
can help provide protection from STD's.
Sterilization
- Male (Vasectomy)
Effectiveness
(chances of NOT getting pregnant)
What
is a Vasectomy (male sterilization)
- A surgical procedure that
prevents pregnancy by blocking the passage of sperm into the
ejaculated seminal fluid (cum).
Advantages
of Vasectomy
- Permanent method of contraceptive.
- Highly effective method.
- Very safe surgical procedure.
- Removes the responsibility
of contraception from the woman.
- No significant long term
side effects.
- Does not interrupt lovemaking.
- Highly acceptable method.
- A no scalpel Vasectomy is
also available.
Disadvantages
of Vasectomy
- Protection for the male
only (females are at risk for pregnancy).
- Usually irreversible.
- Requires skilled medical
personnel.
- Lack of protection from
sexually transmitted diseases and infections, including HIV.
- Initial cost may be expensive,
some times considered an elective procedure, and requires self-pay.
However, the long term cost benefits are great.
- Although unproven, serious
long-term effects are possible.
How
do I decide?
- Are you sure you do not
want any more children?
- Can you tolerate a surgical
procedure?
- Can you afford the procedure?
- Have other methods been
considered?
- Does this method fit your
religious or moral beliefs?
- Is a Vasectomy the best
decision for you?
Reminder:
This method does not provide any protection against sexually
transmitted diseases (STD's) including HIV and Hepatitis B. Using
condoms consistently can help provide protection from STD's.
Withdrawal
(Coitus Interruptus)
Effectiveness
(chance of NOT getting pregnant)
What
is Withdrawal?
- A contraceptive method that
prevents fertilization by preventing the contact between the
sperm and egg.
- Couple engages in penile-vaginal
intercourse until ejaculation is about to occur.
- The male partner withdraws
his penis from the vagina and away from the external genitalia
of the female partner.
Advantages
of Withdrawal:
- Costs nothing.
- Requires no devices.
- Involves no chemicals.
- Available in any situation.
Disadvantages
of Withdrawal:
- Chances of getting pregnant
with this method are much higher than with any other method.
- Some men have difficulty
telling when they will ejaculate.
- Some men may not withdraw
in sufficient time.
- Interruption of the excitement
or plateau phase of the sexual response cycle may decrease pleasurable
experience.
- High risk of contracting
sexually transmitted diseases and infections.
How
do I decide?
- Is the risk of getting pregnant
too large?
- ·What about the risk of
contracting a sexually transmitted disease?
- Does the method fit with
your religious or moral beliefs?
SEXUALLY
TRANSMITTED DISEASES
Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)
What
is it?
- Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)
is the most common vaginal infection in women of childbearing
age.
- The cause of BV is not fully
understood. BV is associated with an imbalance in the bacteria
that are normally found in a woman's vagina. The vagina normally
contains mostly "good" bacteria, and fewer "harmful"
bacteria. BV develops when there is a change in the environment
of the vagina that causes an increase in harmful bacteria.
What
are the signs and symptoms
- Some women do not know that
they have Bacterial Vaginosis.
- Others may complain of an
excessive and /or foul smelling vaginal discharge. These are the
two most common symptoms.
- Other signs and symptoms
include redness, swelling and itching on the outside of the vagina.
Testing
- The only way to know for
sure if you have BV is to go to a health provider to get tested.
- Medical tests for BV are
available. A sample of discharge from the vagina can be collected
and examined under a microscope by a health provider to detect
BV.
Treatment
- The primary goal in treating
Bacterial Vaginosis is to relieve vaginal symptoms and signs of
infection.
- Your health provider will
prescribe an antibiotic and/or a vaginal cream.
- Make sure that you take
all the pills that you are given or use all the cream you are
given. BV may come back if you don't.
How
Can I Prevent Bacterial Vaginosis?
Sometimes
you may get BV no matter what you do. But the following tips may
help you avoid it:
- Keep your vaginal area clean
and dry. Wash daily with warm water, rinse well and pat dry.
- Don't use douches, strong
soaps, deodorants or sprays.
- Wear cotton underwear.
- Don't wear tight fitting
clothing.
- Wipe from front to back
after a bowel movement.
REMINDER: Using a condom consistently
can help to protect you from STD's including Bacterial Vaginosis.
Candidiasis
(Yeast infection)
What
is it?
- Yeast infections are caused
by one of many types of fungus called Candida.
- Candida and other organisms
may be found in small numbers in the normal vagina as well as
in the mouth and digestive tract.
- An estimated 75% of women
will have at least one yeast infection in their lifetime.
- Canidiasis is the second
most common vaginal infection.
What
are the signs and symptoms?
- Some women have a white,
cottage cheese like vaginal discharge. This discharge has no odor
and can cause itching, redness and swelling of the external genitalia.
- Male sex partners may develop
a rash on the penis (called balanitis).
- Candidiasis is sometimes
difficult to recognize as these symptoms may be present in other
vaginal infections. How do you get tested for Candidiasis?
- Your health care provider
will perform a pelvic exam to collect vaginal samples for inspection
and examination under the microscope.
- Men can get tested and treated
by their health care provider.
What
is the treatment for Candidiasis?
- For clinical symptoms and
microscopic evidence of yeast, your health provider will prescribe
an antibiotic and/or a vaginal cream.
- Over the counter medications
are now available, but it very important to see a health provider
to be sure you have a yeast infection and not some other problem.
REMINDER: Using a condom consistently
can help to protect you from STD's.
Chlamydia
What
is Chlamydia?
- Chlamydia is the most commonly
reported infectious disease in the United States.
- Chlamydia is spread from
person to person by close physical contact during vaginal, anal
and/or oral sex
- An estimated 3 million people
will be diagnosed with chlamydia each year
- If not treated in women,
chlamydial genital infections can cause pelvic inflammatory disease
(PID), infertility, chronic pelvic pain, and tubal (ectopic) pregnancy.
- If not treated in men, chlamydial
infections can cause swollen testicles and infertility.
What
are the signs and symptoms of Chlamydia?
- Most people infected with
chlamydia don't know that they have it. Up to 80% of women and
50% of men have no symptoms
- When symptoms do occur in
women they may include: abdominal pain, pain during intercourse,
burning or pain with urination, unusual vaginal discharge, low-grade
fever and bleeding between periods or after sex.
- When symptoms do occur in
men they may include: watery, white drip from the penis and pain
or burning with urination.
- If not detected and treated,
chlamydia infections can cause severe health problems for women
including: Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), infertility, ectopic
pregnancy and chronic pelvic pain.
- Chlamydia infections in
pregnant women may also result in problems for newborns including
eye infections and pneumonia.
- Recent research has shown
that women infected with chlamydia have a 3 to 5 fold increased
risk of acquiring HIV, if exposed.
- Both men and women may be
infected with Chlamydia and not know it.
How
do I get tested for Chlamydia?
- The only way to know for
sure if you have chlamydia is to go to a doctor or a clinic to
get tested.
- Medical tests for chlamydia
are available. A sample of discharge from the vagina or penis
or a urine sample can be collected by a medical professional to
test for chlamydia.
- Make sure that you get checked
for chlamydia and other STDs every time you have a health exam.
How
do I get treated for Chlaymydia?
- Chlamydia is treated with
antibiotics.
- Make sure that you take
all the pills that you are given. Chlamydia may come back if you
don't.
- Do not have sex until all
of your pills are gone.
- Tell your sex partner(s)
that they must be treated too.
REMINDER: Using a condom consistently
can help to protect you from STD's including Chlamydia. All sexual
partners should be treated to prevent the spread of Chlamydia .Make
sure that you get checked for chlamydia and other STDs every time
you have a health exam.
Genital
Warts
What
are they?
- Sexually transmitted skin
lesions caused by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV).
- Certain types of HPV cause
cancer.
What
are the symptoms of Genital Warts?
- Single or multiple soft,
fleshy, painless growths appear on the vaginal area, penis, anus,
urethra, or perineum.
Women
may have growths on the inside of the vagina or on cervix.
How
do I get tested for Genital Warts?
- Diagnosis is made by the
clinician who visually inspects the lesions.
- For some women the Pap smear
may indicate the presence of HPV, and a special microscopic test
(colposcopy) is used to diagnose flat warts that are difficult
to see. What is the treatment for Genital Warts?
- Several treatments are available
for Genital Warts.
- All of the treatments involve
applying medication to the warts. Depending on the location and
the number of warts, your health provider will determine if the
treatment will be provided by the patient or the provider.
- Despite treatment, Genital
Warts can come back.
REMINDER: Using a condom consistently
can help to protect you from STD's including Genital Warts.
Gonorrhea
What
is Gonorrhea?
- Gonorrhea is a sexually
transmitted disease caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae.
- Gonorrhea is spread from
person to person by close physical contact during vaginal, anal
and/or oral sex.
- Other names for gonorrhea
are GC, clap, the drip, or a dose.
What
are the signs and symptoms of Gonorrhea?
- Many people infected with
gonorrhea don't know that they have it. Up to 50% of men and most
women have no symptoms
- When symptoms do occur in
women they may include: abdominal pain, pain during intercourse,
burning or pain with urination, unusual vaginal discharge that
is yellow or bloody, low-grade fever and bleeding between periods
or after sex.
- An undetected gonorrhea
infection can cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and infertility
in women. A woman with gonorrhea can give it to her baby during
childbirth. It can also cause premature delivery or miscarriage
in pregnant women.
- Signs and symptoms of a
gonorrhea infection in men may include: pain or burning with urination,
yellowish white discharge from the penis and swollen or tender
testicles.
How
do I get tested for Gonorrhea?
- The only way to know for
sure if you have gonorrhea is to go to a health care provider
to get tested.
- Medical tests for gonorrhea
are available. A sample of discharge from the vagina or penis
or a urine sample can be collected by a medical professional to
test for gonorrhea.
What
is the treatment for Gonorrhea?
- Gonorrhea can be easily
treated and cured
- Your health care provider
will give you antibiotic pills to take.
- Make sure that you take
all the pills that you are given. Gonorrhea may come back if you
don't.
- Do not have sex until all
of your pills are gone.
- Tell your sex partner(s)
that they must be treated too.
REMINDER: Using a condom consistently
can help to protect you from STD's including Gonorrhea. Make sure
that you get checked for gonorrhea and other STDs every time you
have a health exam.
Hepatitis
What
is Hepatitis?
- Hepatitis is a serious virus
that affects your liver.
- The most common forms of
the virus are Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C.
- Hepatitis B is the most
common form of Hepatitis, and it is often spread through sexual
contact.
- Hepatitis C is spread through
IV drug use but also may be spread sexually.
- It is easy to become infected
with Hepatitis B.
- It's 100 times easier to
get Hepatitis B than HIV the virus that causes AIDS.
- There are more people infected
with Hepatitis C than HIV.
- Approximately, four million
Americans are infected with Hepatitis C; in comparison to the
one million Americans who are infected with HIV.
- Hepatitis B can be prevented
with a vaccine.
What
are the Signs and Symptoms of Hepatitis?
- Symptoms of Hepatitis include
yellowing of the eyes and skin, abdominal pain, nausea or vomiting,
fever, fatigue, and darkening of the urine.
- Sometimes there are no visible
symptoms of Hepatitis.
- People can have the virus
and not realize they are sick for a long time. How do I get tested
for Hepatitis?
- There are tests that your
health care provider can do to find the virus.
- The body produces antibodies
that can be detected with a blood test.
What
is the treatment for Hepatitis?
- No specific therapy exists
for Hepatitis B. Your health care provider will provide supportive
care and treat the symptoms.
- Hepatitis B is the only
sexually transmitted disease that can be prevented with a vaccine.
- Hepatitis C is treated through
a series of injections to decrease the damage to the liver.
REMINDER:
Using a condom consistently
can help to protect you from STD's, including hepatitis.
Herpes
What
is Herpes?
- Herpes is a sexually transmitted
disease caused by a virus.
- This infection can be treated
but not cured.
- Herpes is transmitted when
an infected area comes in contact with a mucous membrane, primarily
the moist skin of the mouth, genitals, and anus.
- Genital herpes infections
are usually caused by the Herpes Simplex type II virus.
- Oral herpes infections are
usually caused by the Herpes Simplex type I virus.
- Herpes can be transmitted
when no symptoms are present.
- About 45 million people
12 years and older in the United States are infected with the
herpes virus.
What
are the signs and symptoms of Herpes?
- Symptoms are very different
from person to person.
- Some of the most common
symptoms are pain or burning while urinating and bumps or blisters
around the genital area, then they scab over.
- Most people who have Herpes
don't know it because they never have symptoms they notice.
- If symptoms do appear, they
may show up anywhere from three to ten days after getting the
virus.
- Herpes also can look like
an irritated red area or bumps that many people mistake for something
else; men mistake herpes for jock itch and women mistake it for
yeast infection.
How
do I get tested for Herpes?
- It is recommended that an
individual have a skin culture taken within the first 48 hours
after signs appear.
- After 48 hours risks increase
for false negative test result (results that come back negative
although it is positive)
- Blood tests are often used
when no symptoms are present.
What
is the treatment for Herpes?
- There are three treatments
available for genital herpes: Zovirax (acyclovir), Famvir (famciclovir),
and Valtrex (valaciclovir). Each of these medications is in pill
form. Zovirax is also available in an ointment but is not as effective
as the pill.
- Each of these medications
can reduce the severity of outbreaks and how long they last. The
medications also can be taken daily to keep the outbreaks from
happening so frequently.
- Denavir, also an ointment,
is the only prescription medication specifically developed for
oral herpes.
REMINDER: Using a condom consistently
can help to protect you from STD's, including Herpes.
Human
Papilloma Virus (HPV)
What
is HPV?
- HPV is the name of a group
of viruses that includes more than 70 different types.
- HPV is the most common viral
STD in the Unites States. It is estimated that up to half of all
sexually active young women are infected with the virus that causes
HPV.
- Certain types of HPV cause
visible warts on the genitals. Some types of HPV infection cause
no visible warts and many people with HPV don't know they have
it.
- HPV is usually spread by
direct skin-to-skin contact during vaginal, anal and/or oral sex
with someone who has this infection.
- HPV is the number one cause
of abnormal Pap smear results in women and may lead to pre-cancerous
changes on the cervix. HPV is the primary cause of cervical cancer.
- Both men and women can contract
and spread HPV.
What
are the Signs and Symptoms of HPV?
- Most women and men with
HPV have no symptoms and don't know they have it.
- Warts may appear within
several weeks after sexual relations with an infected person;
or they may take months to appear; or they may never appear. This
makes it hard to know exactly when or from whom you got the virus.
- If you are infected with
visible genital warts they may appear to be unusual growths, bumps,
or skin changes on or near the penis, inside the vagina, on the
cervix, vulva, perineum, urethra or anus. You may even notice
unusual itching, pain or bleeding in the genital area.
How
do I get tested for HPV?
- Regular genital self-examinations
may be helpful in detecting visible genital warts for both women
and men. If you detect unusual changes in your genital area the
only way to know for sure if you have HPV is to go to a health
care provider and get a physical exam.
- To check for visible warts
a health care provider will examine your genital area more closely
and may use a magnifying lens to find small warts. This causes
abnormal tissue to turn white and makes it easier to see, especially
if it is viewed through a magnifying lens such as a colposcope.
- To check for subclinical
HPV (HPV that has no symptoms) a Pap smear is taken during a pelvic
exam. For women, an abnormal Pap smear may be the first sign that
HPV is present. Women with abnormal Pap smears should be examined
further for cervical problems or followed closely by a doctor.
- There are several new tests
that can detect the genetic material of HPV. These can be used
to find cervical HPV infection in a small number of cases.
- Men with genital warts or
who have a partner with HPV should talk to their health care provider.
What
is the Treatment for HPV?
- HPV is a persistent condition
even when there are no symptoms. No therapy has been shown to
get rid of the virus. In 80% of cases HPV recurs.
- Since it is difficult to
cure HPV the goal of treatment is the temporary removal of visible
genital warts and the lessening of symptoms and signs, not to
cure HPV.
- Even if there are no visible
warts from HPV, it is important that health care providers watch
carefully for precancerous changes (by taking a Pap smear) on
the cervix that may be found along with HPV infection.
- The currently available
treatments for visible genital warts consists of two types: (1)
patient-applied therapies and (2) provider-administered therapies.
- Whatever treatment you choose
remember to always ask your health care provider for a complete
explanation of the treatment including its costs, benefits and
required follow-up care.
REMINDER: Using a condom consistently
can help to protect you from STDs. Make sure that you get checked
for STDs every time you have a health exam. Women should get a Pap
smear at least once a year.
Pelvic
Inflammatory Disease (PID)
What
is PID?
- PID is an infection of a
woman's pelvic and sexual organs - uterus, fallopian tubes and
ovaries.
- Germs from STD infections
can spread from a woman's vagina into her cervix and up into her
uterus and other organs and cause PID.
- Chlamydia and gonorrhea
are the two main STDs that can cause PID. Women get STD's and
PID from sexual intercourse.
What
are the Signs and Symptoms of PID?
- Many women with PID have
no symptoms.
- Women who do have symptoms
may notice:
Yellow or white vaginal discharge.
Bleeding between periods or after sex.
Heavier and more painful periods.
Cramps or pain in lower abdomen (belly) sometimes with fever,
chills or nausea. Pain deep inside during or after sex.
Pain during a pelvic examination.
- Untreated, PID can cause
painful and permanent damage to the pelvic and sex organs, including
infertility.
- If a woman who has had PID
gets pregnant, the baby may begin to grow in her fallopian tube
instead of her uterus. This is called a tubal (ectopic) pregnancy
and may be life threatening.
How
do I get tested for PID?
- The only way to know for
sure if you have PID is to go to a doctor or a clinic to get tested.
It is very important to treat any STD right away.
- A pelvic examination and
lab test is used to check for PID.
What
is the Treatment for PID?
- PID can be cured with antibiotic
pills.
- If your PID is very bad,
you may need to be in the hospital for a few days.
- Make sure that you take
all the pills that you are given.
- Do not have sex until all
of your pills are gone.
- Tell your sex partner(s)
that they must be treated too so that you will not get infected
again.
- Go back to your health care
provider to be sure you have been cured.
REMINDER: Using a condom consistently
can help to protect you from STDs. Make sure that you get checked
for STDs every time you have a health exam.
Syphilis
What
is it?
- Syphilis is a complex sexually
transmitted disease (STD) caused by the bacterium. Treponema
Pallidum.
- The bacterium is passed
from person to person through direct contact with syphilis sore(s).
- Syphilis causes sores mainly
on the external genitals, vagina, anus, or in the rectum.
- Untreated syphilis in a
pregnant woman can infect and possibly cause death to the unborn
child.
What
are the signs and symptoms of Syphilis?
- The primary stage of syphilis
is marked by the appearance of a single sore (called a chancre).
- The chancre is usually a
firm, round, small, and painless lesion.
- It appears at the spot where
the bacterium entered the body.
- The chancre lasts 1 to 5
weeks and will heal on its own.
- If inadequate or no treatment
is administered, the infection progresses to the secondary stage.
- As the chancre disappears,
a rash develops.
- The rash often appears as
rough "copper penny" spots on both hand and feet.
- The rash may also appear
as prickly heat rash, as small blotches or scales all over the
body, as moist warts in the groin area or as pus-filled bumps
like chicken pox.
- Other symptoms can include
fever, swollen lymph glands, sore throat, patchy hair loss, headaches,
weight loss, muscles aches and fatigue.
- Late stage symptoms include
poor muscle movements, paralysis, gradual blindness, dementia
(mental illness).
How
do you get tested Syphilis?
- A health care provider can
detect the syphilis bacterium from infectious sores under a microscope.
- The body produces antibodies
that can be detected with a blood test.
What
is the treatment for Syphilis?
- One dose of penicillin will
cure a person who has had syphilis for less than one year. More
doses are needed to cure someone who has had it for longer than
a year.
- A baby born with the disease
needs daily penicillin treatment for 10 days.
- There are no home remedies
or over-the counter- drugs that cure syphilis.
- Penicillin will kill the
syphilis bacterium and prevent further damage but it will not
repair any damage already done.
REMINDER: Using a condom consistently
can help to protect you from STD's, including syphilis.
Trichomonas
Infection
What
is it?
- Trichomonas vaginalis is
a sexually transmitted disease caused by a microscopic parasite.
- Trichomonas is one of the
most common sexually transmitted diseases, mainly affecting women
16-to-35 years of age.
- Infection is more common
in women who have multiple sexual partners.
What
are the Signs and Symptoms?
- Signs and symptoms differ
in men and women.
- Persons infected with Trichomonas
vaginalis may be without symptoms to specific symptoms.
- Some women may have a foul
smelling frothy green vaginal discharge, vaginal redness or itching.
- Other symptoms include painful
sexual intercourse, lower abdominal discomfort, and the urge to
urinate.
- Many men do not have symptoms.
- When symptoms are present
in men, they most commonly have discharge from the urethra, the
urge to urinate and a burning sensation with urination.
How
do I get tested?
- Diagnosis is most commonly
made by viewing the parasite under a microscope.
- A vaginal sample is collected
from women during a pelvic examination.
- A urethral sample is collected
from men.
What
is the treatment?
- Your doctor will prescribe
an antibiotic for you and all sexual partners you have had since
becoming infected.
- If all current sexual partners
are not treated, it is possible to become reinfected.
REMINDER: Using a condom consistently
can help to protect you from STD's, including trichomonas.
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