Preventing and Treating STDs Lesson 2 Preventing and Treating STDs

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

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

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

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

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

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.