Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board

How STDs Spread… Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) are caused by viruses or bacteria that enter the body through tiny cuts or tears.

Sexually Transmitted Diseases There are over 30 kinds of sexually transmitted diseases!!

You can get infected without having sex…   STDs can be passed by: skin-to-skin contact through sexual fluids ingesting fecal material

skin-to-skin contact (oral, vaginal, or anal sex) through sexual fluids (blood, semen, infected discharge, vaginal fluids) ingesting fecal material (microscopic amounts!)

Chlamydia Chlamydia (kluh-mih-dee-uh) is a STD that is caused by a type of bacteria. It is very common, but it is both easy to test for and easily cured.

Fact: 1 out of 4 sexually active teens will get a STD this year.

Most people don’t know they’re infected. Most STDs do not produce noticeable signs or symptoms, and mild signs often go unrecognized.

Chlamydia Symptoms for Women: bleeding after sex, lower abdominal pain, discharge from vagina Symptoms for Men: painful urination, discharge from penis, lower abdominal pain Bacterial infection (can be cured!!!)

Fact: 1 in 10 sexually active teens has chlamydia right now.

Is Chlamydia Serious? Yes. If you don't get treated, it can cause permanent damage to the reproductive organs. If it isn’t properly treated, chlamydia can make some women and men unable to have children.

How Is It Treated? Chlamydia is easily treated with antibiotics. It's important to take all the medicine because chlamydia can come back if you don't. Also, avoid having sex for a full week after treatment.

Copyright © 2001-2004 Campaign for Our Children

Fact: Chlamydia and gonorrhea rates are highest among 15 to 24 year olds.

Copyright © 2001-2004 Campaign for Our Children

Copyright © 2001-2004 Campaign for Our Children

Copyright © 2001-2004 Campaign for Our Children

Fact: 1 of every 5 sexually active teen females will get pregnant this year.

Preventing STDs… The only way to completely prevent STDs is to abstain from all types of sexual contact.  

Preventing STDs… If you decide to have sex, it means you must also take responsibility to protect yourself and your partner from unplanned pregnancy and STDs.  

Preventing STDs… Latex condoms are the only form of birth control that lessen your risk of contracting an STD.

Preventing STDs… What Works: ABSTINENCE. Latex condoms. Sticking to one partner, who has been tested and is uninfected. Good communication about sexual history & STDs. Avoiding alcohol and drugs.

How Do You Know if You Have It? The only way to know for sure is to be tested. It’s just a simple urine test.

How Do You Know if You Have It? People who are sexually active should be tested for chlamydia and other STDs once a year!

What about My Parents? In many States (including Oregon, Washington, and Idaho), teens age 14 years and above may consent to STD and HIV testing & treatment without parental consent.

How Will The Testing Happen? To help ensure confidentiality, all students will have the opportunity to participate, regardless of their sexual experience. No physical examination is needed, just a small sample of urine. The urine will be tested for gonorrhea and chlamydia.

How Will The Testing Happen? Students who do not wish to be tested will not be required to provide a urine sample. The urine will not be tested for pregnancy or drugs.

Questions?