Choices and consequences: The facts about STDs

How many people have STDs?
The numbers are shocking. Over 65 million Americans are now infected with an incurable STD. Each year 15 million + become infected with STDs. Of these, almost 4 million teens.

What are some of the long term effects of STDs?

STDs can lead to

• Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID), which can lead to infertility
  
• Cervical cancer
  
• Chronic pelvic pain
  
• Tubal (ectopic) pregnancy
  
• Damage to major body organs
  
• Death

Questions and Answers

Q. I have sex but we use a condom. Why should I worry about getting a STD?
A. Using a condom correctly every time you have sex still puts you at a significant risk for many STDs, including HPV and Herpes, both of which are incurable. Look at it this way - condoms often fail to prevent pregnancy, and pregnancy is only possible a few days a month. STDs are there 24/7, ready to turn a few moments of pleasure into a lifetime of heartache.

Q. What is I have sex with only one person? Can I still get a STD?
A. If you partner has had any sexual activity with anyone else before you, then you are at risk for a STD. They may lie to you about their sexual history, or they may not even know they have a STD, since it is very possible for someone to have a STD and show no symptoms.

Q. What about oral sex, is that safe?
A. Oral sex is definitely not safe. Many STDs including Syphilis, Gonorrhea, and Genital Herpes can be spread through oral sex.

Q. Do birth control pills protect you against STDs?
A. No!

Q. How can I protect myself against STDs?
A. There are two ways to totally protect yourself against STDs. One is to abstain from sex. The other is to only have sex within a faithful lifelong commitment (i.e. marriage) to a partner who is STD free.

This text was entirely quoted from the Pamphlet about STDs by Life Cycle Books