Sexually Transmitted Diseases & HIV / AIDS

How You Can Prevent Sexually Transmitted Diseases

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Get the Facts
 Arm yourself with basic information about STDs:
  • How are these diseases spread?
  • How can you protect yourself?
  • What are the treatment options?
The term sexually transmitted disease is used to cover the more than 25-30 infectious organisms that are spread through sexual activity.

STDs are spread from person to person by sexual activity.

These infections are spread by
  • vaginal intercourse,
  • anal intercourse
  • oral sex.
  • through blood, sharing drug equipment (needles, syringes, or "works").
In addition, pregnant women with STDs may pass their infection to infants in the womb, during birth, or through breast-feeding.
Sexual Transmitted Diseases & Related Conditions
Take Control
 Effective strategies for reducing STD risk include:
  • Abstinence
  • Vaccines
  • One Sexual or Romantic Partner
  • Reduced Number of Sex Partners
  • Condoms

Abstinence (Waiting)
The most reliable way to avoid infection is to not have sex


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Vaccination


Vaccine Picture.jpg Vaccines are safe, effective, and recommended ways to prevent Hepatitis B and Human Papillomavirus (HPV).

HPV vaccines for males and females can protect against HPV. It is best to get all doses (shots) before becoming sexually active.

HPV vaccines are recommended for
  • Teen girls and women through age 26
  • Teen boys and men through age 21

You should also get vaccinated for Hepatitis B if you were not vaccinated when you were younger.
One Sexual or Romantic Partner (Mutual Monogamy)
You agree to be sexually active with only one person AND they agree to be sexually active only with you. Being in a long-term (exclusive) relationship with an uninfected partner is one of the most reliable ways to avoid STDs.

But you must both be certain you are not infected with STDs.

It is important to have an open and honest conversation with your partner about the following:

  • Getting tested for STDs before having sex
  • STD test results
  • Methods for preventing STDs and unplanned pregnancy


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Reduced number of sex partners
  • Reducing your number of sex partners decreases your risk for STDs.
  • It is important that you and your partner get tested, and share your test results with one another.

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Condoms
Correct and consistent use of the male latex condom is highly effective in reducing STD transmission. Use a condom every time you have anal, vaginal, or oral sex.


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Condoms are the only method that protect against both pregnancy and STDs (including HIV) but many people don't use them correctly

DOs and DON'Ts of CONDOMS
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Put Yourself to the TEST

Most people with STDs have no symptoms.

Without treatment these diseases can lead to major health problems like,
  • not being able to get pregnant (infertility)
  • permanent brain damage,
  • heart disease,
  • cancer,
  • death.
If you think you have been exposed to a sexually transmitted disease, you and your sex partner(s) should visit a health clinic, hospital or doctor for testing and treatment.

Schuyler County Public Health works with Chemung County to provide STD/HIV clinic services. Chemung County Clinic phone number is (607) 737-2028. There is no cost, the drop in clinic has a Rapid HIV testing available.

The hours are:

Thursday: 9:00 am to 11:30 am and 1:00 pm to 3:30 pm.
Friday: 9:00 am to 11:30 am

More update to information on the Chemung County Clinic can be reached at the following:
http://www.chemungcountyhealth.org/index.asp?pageId=52

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