STDs

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are infections that can be spread by having sex with another person who is infected. This includes all forms of sexual contact, not just intercourse. Most STDs are curable. Some are not. If you have sex with someone who has an STD, you can get it too. Many people who have an STD don't know it. Some STDs have obvious symptoms, but sometimes you don't even know you have one. Some people won't tell you, even if they know.

If you choose to have sex, condoms give you the best protection because they are barriers that keep you away from your boyfriend's or girlfriend's sexual fluids. Other birth control methods only prevent pregnancy, they DON'T protect you from STDs. Using a condom isn't 100% safe against pregnancy or STDs - nothing is, except choosing not to have sex.

It's a good idea to have regular check ups even if there's only a tiny possibility you might have an STD - even if you don't have any symptoms. You should get an STD check if: you have had unprotected sex; you have had sex with someone new; someone you had sex with tells you later that they have an STD; your boyfriend/girlfriend has had sex with someone else.

If you think you might have an STD you should talk to one of the following people:

Your mum or dad, or another adult you trust
The school nurse
Your family doctor
Your local sexual health clinic

Links

Queensland Health

Practical information about STDs, including where to go for free sexual health check ups:

www.health.qld.gov.au/sexhealth

The American Social Health Organisation

This website is really easy to use and answers questions about teen sexual health and sexually transmitted diseases, including symptoms and risks, how they are transmitted and how they are treated: