Glossary
- Breast Self Exam
A recommended monthly exam you can perform yourself using the methods illustrated here.
- Nurse Practitioner
A nurse practitioner is a registered nurse with advanced academic and clinical experience, according to the American College of Nurse Practitioners (ACNP). The ACNP says this training enables the Nurse Practitioner to diagnose and manage most common and many chronic illnesses. According to the ACNP, “Working in collaboration with a physician, a nurse practitioner provides high quality, cost effective and individualized care for the life span of patient’s special needs."
- Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD)
STDs are serious, sometimes painful, and can cause a lot of damage. Some STDs infect only your sexual and reproductive organs. Others (HIV, hepatitis B, syphilis) cause general body infections. Sometimes you can have an STD with no signs or symptoms. Other times, the symptoms go away on their own. Either way, you still have the STD until you get treated.
A few STDs cannot be cured, but most can be cured if you get treated.
What to Watch For
Many people have no symptoms. If you have symptoms you may notice any of the following:
- Women:
An unusual discharge or smell from your vagina.
Pain in your pelvic area – the area between your belly button and sex organs.
Burning or itching around your vagina.
Bleeding from your vagina that is not your regular period.
Pain deep inside your vagina when you have sex.
- Men
A drip or discharge from your penis.
- Women and Men:
Sores, bumps or blisters near your sex organs, rectum or mouth.
Burning and pain when you urinate (pee) or have a bowel movement.
Need to urinate (pee) often.
Itching around your sex organs.
A swelling or redness in your throat.
Flu-like feelings, with fever, chills and aches.
Swelling in your groin – the area around your sex organs.
If you have any of these symptoms, stop having sex. Go to an STD clinic or see your healthcare provider immediately.
- How Are STD's Spread?
STDs are spread during close sexual activity, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex. Some STDs (HIV and hepatitis B) are also spread by contact with infected blood. Most STD germs need to live in warm, moist areas. That’s why they infect the mouth, rectum and sex organs (vagina, vulva, penis and testes).
- What Should I Do?
If you think you might have an STD, get checked out immediately. Most county health departments have special STD clinics. Private doctors also treat STDs. Your case will be kept private.
Most STDs can be treated with antibiotics. Do exactly what you doctor tells you. Be sure to use all of your medicine.
You also must tell you sexual partner(s). If they aren’t treated, they can get sick. They can spread the STD and might even give it to you again if untreated.
You Can Protect Yourself
Not having sex is the best way to protect yourself from STD.
Having sex with only one uninfected partner who only has sex with you is also safe.
Talk to your partner about past sex partners and about needle drug use. Don’t have sex with someone who you think may have an STD.
Before you have sex, look closely at your partner for any signs of STD – a rash, a sore or discharge. If you see anything you are worried about don’t have sex.
Use a latex condom (rubber) for vaginal, anal, and oral sex.
Condoms will help protect you from STDs much of the time. Both men and women should carry condoms.
People who are allergic to latex can use plastic (polyurethane) condoms. These come in both male and female styles.
Get checked for STDs regularly. Ask your health care provider to help you decide how often and which tests you should have.
Know the signs and symptoms of STDs. If you notice a symptom that worries you, see your health care provider.
If you have an STD, your partner(s) must get tested and treated too.
If you have an STD, don’t have sex until your treatment is complete.
