1. Sexually Transmitted Diseases A.K.A Sexually Transmitted Infections
The following information was developed by the California Family Health Council, Inc. and is reprinted here with their permission. This Bulletin Board is to inform and educate students on the risks of Sexually Transmitted Diseases and Infections.
For source information and updated information on STDs and STIs please visit, or These two websites provide a wealth of information found useful in a college Residence Hall setting.
Submitted By: Garrett A. Guillozet
Ohio Northern University.

2. Sexually Transmitted Diseases A.K.A Sexually Transmitted Infections
Truths, Myths, Facts and Statistics

3. What is an STD or STI?
Sexually Transmitted Diseases are infections that people usually get by having sex with someone who already has one. Some STDs can be treated and cured with antibiotic medicine, while others cannot be cured. But many of the non-curable STDs can be treated to make them easier to live with.
Common STDs That Can Be Treated and Cured:
Chlamydia
Gonorrhea
Syphilis

4. General Information: STDs left untreated can:
Be painful and make you very sick. A few can even cause death.
Make it hard for a woman to get pregnant when she wants to.
Make a man unable to father a child.
Cause birth defects or other health problems for a newborn.
Millions of people have STDs. And most people who get them are under the age of 30.
STDs are common.
You can have more than one STD at a time.
You can get the same STD more than once.

5. Genital Herpes Non-Curable STDs
Genital herpes is an infection caused by a virus (a kind of germ).
You get the herpes virus by having sex with someone who has it.
It can be spread by having vaginal, anal, or oral sex. It can also be spread by touching the infected area of someone who has it.
It causes small, painful sores or blisters. The sores can come and go. But once you get herpes, the virus is always in your body.
Common Locations of the sores:
Mouth 
Thighs 
Butt 
Penis 
Vagina 

6. Genital Herpes Non-Curable STDs Long Term Effects: Treatment:
Child could get Herpes by Birth
Higher Risk of HIV/AIDS infection
Pass it to others
Treatment:
Medication
Keep Area of Sores Clean and Dry

7. Genital Warts (HPV) Non-Curable STDs
Genital warts are small, often painless bumps in or around the vagina, penis, or anus.
They are caused by a virus (a kind of germ). It is called HPV (the human papilloma virus).
You get HPV by having sex with someone who has the virus.
HPV is spread by having vaginal, anal, or oral sex.
Even if the warts go away or are removed, the virus stays in your body and can be spread to others.

8. Genital Warts (HPV) Non-Curable STDs Long Term Effects: Treatment:
You can pass it to others.
You have a higher chance of getting HIV (the virus that causes AIDS).
Treatment:
You may need an exam of the cervix or penis called a colposcopy. Your clinician uses a magnifying glass with a bright light to see the warts.
The warts can be removed by freezing or burning. Most people need to have more than one visit to remove all the warts.

9. Non-Curable STDs
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is an infection of the liver. It can't be cured.
Hepatitis B is caused by a virus (a kind of germ).
You could get Hepatitis B if you:
Have sex with someone who has the virus
Share needles or drugs.
Share earrings, razors, nail clippers, or toothbrushes.
Pierce your body or get a tattoo when infected tools are used.
Touch infected blood or bodily fluids.

10. Non-Curable STDs Hepatitis B Symptoms: Some people get these signs:
Yellow skin or eyes
No appetite (they don't want to eat)
Feeling tired
Brown or dark urine (pee)
Light or gray stools
Long Term Effects:
You can give it to others.
You have a higher chance of getting HIV (the virus that causes AIDS).
Chronic hepatitis can badly damage your liver. It can lead to cancer and even death.
Treatment:
Specific for each person

11. HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus)
Non-Curable STDs
HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus)
HIV is the virus that causes AIDS. You can get HIV if you do any of the following:
Have sex with someone who has HIV. It can be spread by having vaginal, anal, or oral sex. Your partner could have HIV and not know it.
Share needles with someone who has HIV.

12. HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus)
Non-Curable STDs
HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus)
You or your partner can have HIV and not know it. It can be months or years before you feel sick or have any serious signs. But you can still pass HIV to others. Though some people have no symptoms, some signs of HIV may include:
Rapid weight loss
Fever
Diarrhea
Night sweats
Feeling very tired
Thrush
HIV Spreads Through:
Blood
Pre-"cum"
Semen
Vaginal fluids
Breast milk

13. HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus)
Non-Curable STDs
HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus)
Long Term Effects:
You can give it to others.
You have a higher chance of getting other STDs and infections.
Dangerous weight loss
Cancer
Mental problems
Blindness
HIV can also cause death
Treatment:
There Is no cure, but some medications can help

14. Chlamydia Curable STDs
Chlamydia is an infection of the penis, vagina, throat, or tube that carries urine.
Chlamydia is caused by bacteria (a kind of germ).
You get it by having sex with someone who has Chlamydia.
Chlamydia can be spread by the vagina, penis, mouth, or anus.

15. Chlamydia Curable STDs Symptoms: Treatment:
A thick yellow or clear discharge from the penis or vagina
Pain or burning when they urinate (pee)
Pain during sex
Treatment:
Medications to cure, and must continue all medication
Do not have sex for at least one week after you start your treatment

16. Curable STDs
Syphilis
Syphilis is a dangerous disease that can affect the whole body.
Syphilis is caused by bacteria (a kind of germ).
You get syphilis by having sex with someone who has it.
Syphilis can be spread by having vaginal, anal, or oral sex.
Symptoms:
A sore on or near the vagina, penis, mouth, or anus.
You may not even see or feel the sore.
It heals by itself even if it is not treated. But you still have syphilis.

17. Syphilis Curable STDs Long-term effects: Treatment:
Syphilis can be cured with medicine. But if you don't get treated, you could:
Pass it on to others.
Have a higher chance of getting HIV (the virus that causes AIDS).
Treatment:
Medications prescribed by a Doctor

18. Gonorrhea Curable STDs
Gonorrhea is an infection of the penis, vagina, anus, or throat.
Gonorrhea is caused by bacteria (a kind of germ).
You get gonorrhea by having sex with someone who has it.
Gonorrhea can be spread by having vaginal, anal, or oral sex.

19. Gonorrhea Curable STDs Symptoms: Treatment:
Pain when you urinate (pee) or have a bowel movement
A yellow discharge from the penis or vagina
For men, pain in the testicles
For women, pain or tenderness in the abdomen
A sore throat
Treatment:
Medication prescribed by a Doctor

20. The following information was developed by the California Family Health Council, Inc. and is reprinted here with their permission. This Bulletin Board is to inform and educate students on the risks of Sexually Transmitted Diseases and Infections.
For source information and updated information on STDs and STIs please visit, or These two websites provide a wealth of information found useful in a college residence Hall setting.
Submitted By: Garrett A. Guillozet
Ohio Northern University.