SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

See a Doctor or Clinic if These Symptoms are Present
Women:

• Unusual discharge or smell from the vagina
• Burning or itching around the vagina
• Bleeding from vagina not associated with period
• Pelvic pain during sexual intercourse
• Persistent, unexplained pain in pelvic area

Men:

• Pus or other discharge from penis

Both Women and Men:

• Sores, bumps or blisters on or near the sex organs, mouth or anus
• Burning and pain during urination or a bowel movement
• Flu-like symptoms, with fever, chills and aches
• Swelling in the groin (the area around your sex organs)

Remember:

• Many STDs have no signs and symptoms
• Other times, the symptoms go away but the STD is still
  present
• Some people believe that if a blood sample is taken during a regular exam by their doctor that they are checking for STDs. This may not be true. People should talk to their doctors about STDs if they are at risk
• STDs may not be screened for during routine gynecological exams for women. Men and women should talk to their doctors about STDs if they are at risk

TRANSMISSION

Most STDs are Spread by:

• Vaginal sex
• Oral sex
• Anal sex
• Sharing needles to inject drugs, body pierce or tattoo
• Infected mother to newborn

COMPLICATIONS/CONSEQUENCES

If Left Untreated, Some STDs Can:

• Be serious and painful
• Cause permanent damage to reproductive organs
• Lead to infertility in men and women
• Spread to other sex partners or needle-sharing partners
• May infect newborns, and may lead to serious complications and even death of infants
• Cause heart disease, blindness, arthritis, brain damage or
  death

PREVENTION

Recommendations to Reduce the Spread of STDs:

• Avoidance of vaginal, oral or anal sex is the best way of
  preventing most STDs
• Latex condoms, when used consistently and correctly, are
  highly effective in preventing transmission of HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. In addition, correct and consistent use of latex condoms can reduce the risk of other STDs
• Genital ulcer diseases and HPV infections can occur in genital areas that are covered or protected by a latex condom. They can also occur in areas that are not covered or protected. Latex condoms, when used consistently and correctly, can reduce the
  risk of genital herpes, syphilis, chancroid, and HPV infection only when the infected areas are covered or protected by the condom. In addition, the use of latex condoms has been associated with a reduction in risk of HPV-associated diseases, such as cervical cancer
• Use a latex condom for oral sex on a penis
• Use a latex barrier for oral sex on a vagina or anus (dental
  dam or condom cut in half)
• Use condoms even if your partner says that he/she does not have an STD (many people don’t know or won’t openly discuss their sexual histories)
• Never have sex with someone suspected of having an STD
• Limit the number of sex partners
• Go to a doctor or clinic immediately if you suspect you have been exposed to an STD
• Notify sex partners immediately if you have an STD
• Advise sex partners that they also should get tested and
  receive treatment
• If sexually active, get twice yearly, or annual exams for STDs.
• The female condom, a polyurethane pouch that is inserted into the vagina, may offer another option for protection for vaginal sex if a male condom is not available

TREATMENT

Treatment of Vaginitis:

• Vaginitis can be cured with proper medication from a doctor
• For Trichomonas, infected partners should be
  treated at same time
• For Trichomonas, inform doctor if you are or
  may be pregnant

Treatment of Yeast Infection:

• Nonprescription medication available at pharmacy should be used only by women who:
  • Have had previous yeast infections
    diagnosed by physician
  • Have typical symptoms of yeast infect

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:

CDC National STD and AIDS Hotlines
1-800-227-8922; 1-800-243-7889 TTY