Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)
Minority Women's Health > African Americans > Health Topics > Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)
Over 25 diseases are spread through sex. Some STDs seem to affect certain groups more than others. African Americans have higher rates of chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and herpes than whites.
STDs are more easily passed from men to women. And many STDs have no symptoms. If you're having sex, get tested for STDs.
Know the ABCs of STDs
The best way to protect your body is to know the "ABCs" of STDs. You can feel proud knowing you are doing your best to keep both you and your partner safe and healthy for life. Remember, if you choose not to follow A, B, or C, you could get a sexually transmitted disease (STD), including HIV, the virus that causes AIDS.
A= Abstinence
Not having sex of any kind (vaginal, anal, or oral sex) is the only
100% effective way to avoid getting STDs.
B= Be faithful
Being in a sexual relationship with only one partner who is free of an
STD and who is also faithful to you limits the chance of infections.
C= Condoms
If you fail to follow A or B, use a latex condom. Latex condoms have been proven to reduce the risk of getting infected with HIV and many other STDS, if used correctly and consistently every time you have sex. |
|
Publications
Frequently Asked Questions — Chlamydia — This publication contains information on chlamydia infection, including its symptoms, how it is spread, how it is treated, and how to avoid contracting this STI.
http://www.womenshealth.gov/faq/chlamydia.cfm
Frequently Asked Questions — Genital Herpes — This fact sheet provides information on genital herpes, its symptoms, ways to reduce future outbreaks, and the complications that it might cause. http://www.womenshealth.gov/faq/genital-herpes.cfm
Frequently Asked Questions — Gonorrhea — This fact sheet provides information on gonorrhea, the symptoms of this STD, treatment options, and how to avoid getting this disease. http://www.womenshealth.gov/faq/stdgonor.htm
Frequently Asked Questions — Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and Genital Warts — This publication provides information on human papillomavirus (HPV) and genital warts. It includes modes of transmission, treatments, and ways of prevention. http://www.womenshealth.gov/faq/human-papillomavirus.cfm
Frequently Asked Questions — Sexually Transmitted Diseases — This fact sheet explains in clear language what a sexually transmitted disease (STD) is and why these diseases can pose problems to women's health. It lists common STDs and their symptoms, describes the process of testing for STDs, and explains how women can protect themselves from contracting an STD. This fact sheet also provides a list of resources that offer more information on STDs. http://www.womenshealth.gov/faq/stdsgen.htm
Sexually Transmitted Diseases: Tutorial — This online tutorial gives information to the general public about sexually transmitted diseases. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/tutorials/sexuallytransmitteddiseases/htm/index.htm...
STDs and Pregnancy — This online fact sheet answers common questions that a pregnant woman may have about sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Some topics that are discussed are becoming infected with an STD, STD trends in pregnant women, and treatments for STDs in pregnant women. http://www.cdc.gov/std/STDFact-STDs&Pregnancy.htm
STDs Today — This online publication provides a detailed review of important sexually transmitted infections affecting people in the United States. For each disease, this publication provides an overview of key issues, risk groups, and basic statistics. http://www.cdcnpin.org/scripts/std/std.asp
Syphilis — This fact sheet briefly describes the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of syphilis. The effects of the disease in pregnant women are also discussed. http://www3.niaid.nih.gov/healthscience/healthtopics/syphilis/default.htm
Organizations
-
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, HHS
-
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, NIH, HHS
-
National Prevention Information Network, CDC, HHS
-
American Social Health Association
= Indicates Federal Resources
Current as of December 2007 |