Sexual Health

A Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) is a serious, sometimes painful condition that can cause permanent damage to your reproductive organs and can cause bodily infections. Some cannot be cured. Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Herpes Simplex II, HIV, Genital Warts, Hepatitis B, Syphilis, Trichomonas are STDs.

You can have an STD and not know it. You may have no symptoms. Sometimes the symptom might come and go away (you still have the STD).

How Do You Get an STD?

You can get an STD by having close, sexual activity and during vaginal, oral, and anal sex. HIV and hepatitis B are spread through contact with infected blood.

How to Prevent STDs

• 1. Do NOT have sex
• 2. Have yourself tested for an STD
• 3. Talk to your partner about STDs, his/her sexual and drug use history
• 4. Before you have sex, look closely for signs of an STD
• 5. Use latex condom (rubbers) every time

What To Look For

Women

• An unusual discharge or smell from your vagina
• Pelvic pain
• Burning, itching around the vagina
• Unusual bleeding from the vagina
• Deep pain during vaginal sex

Men

• Drip or discharge from your penis

Women and Men

• Sores, bumps, blisters, itching, inflammation near your sex organs and mouth
• Burning, pain during urination or bowel movements
• Urge to urinate frequently
• Flu-like feelings, fever, chills, aches
• Sore throat

What To Do IF…

If you think you might have an STD, CHECK IT OUT. MOST STDs can be treated with an antibiotic. If you have an STD you must get treatment, you must tell all of your sexual partners, You must stop all sex activity.

Free & Confidential STD Treatment Centers

Englewood Hospital and Medical Center
350 Engle Street
Englewood, NJ 201-894-3254

Hackensack University Medical Center
30 Prospect Avenue
Hackensack, NJ 201-996-2357

Paterson Board of Health
176 Broadway
Paterson, NJ 973-881-3953

STD Resources

HIV/AIDS Hotline 800-624-2377
CDC National STD Hotline 800-227-8922
Herpes Hot Line 9 am – 7pm 919-361-8488
Online Sexual Disorder Screening/Women
Online Sexual Disorder Screening/Men

This message is brought to you by the Bergen Community College Counseling Center. We can help. Ask to speak with a Personal Counselor for a confidential appointment, or community referral, A-118, 201-447-7211.