1. Preventing and Treating STDs
Lesson 2
Preventing and Treating STDs

2. Prevention Through Abstinence
Bacterial infections (chlamydia or gonorrhea) can be treated and cured w/ Antibiotics-a class of chemical agents that destroy disease-causing micro-organisms while leaving the patient unharmed.
Only 1 method that is 100% successful in preventing STDs- abstinence

3. Understanding the Risks
Teens are at a high risk of contracting and STD since most are unaware of a partner’s past behavior
Since many STDs go undiagnosed, it’s not enough for a partner to say he/she is uninfected
Abstinence is the only way of preventing contracting or spreading STDs

4. Avoiding High-Risk Behaviors and STDs
Being sexually active w/ more than one person
Engaging in unprotected sex
Engaging in sexual activity w/ high risk partners
Using alcohol and other drugs

5. HPV Vaccine
HPV Vaccine- vaccine that can prevent cervical cancer, pre-cancerous genital lesions (or sores) and genital warts caused by genital HPV infection
Protects against 4 types of HPV infections
Recommended for females ages 9-26 years old
No other vaccines are available right now for others types of STDs

6. Diagnosing and Treating STDs
If STDs are not diagnosed and treated early, serious long term consequences can result
Once diagnosed, medication will be prescribed, and treatment will be monitored.
Antibiotics can treat bacterial STDs
Medications can lessen the discomfort from sores and skin irritations caused by STDs

7. Act Responsibly Practice abstinence Report any known infections
Public health clinics can sometimes locate past partners to make sure they get medical treatment
It is the responsibility of any person infected w/ an STD to notify the people they have had sexual contact with.