DANGER
Beware...
Your partner may not know he/she has an STI …
80% infected do not know their condition.
Your partner may not tell you the truth if he/she has been sexually active in the past.
STIs are not prevented with condom use:
1) some STIs transmit skin to skin;
2) condoms have a 17% failure rate; that’s 1 in 6.
You can have an STI and have no symptoms for weeks, months, possibly years.
STIs are contagious even though no symptoms exist.
Teens are much more susceptible to STI damage because they have a lower level of antibodies than adults.
It is extremely important to see a doctor for a check-up if you – or your partner – have had a sexual experience outside of marriage even though no symptoms exist.
AVOID THE RISKS . . .
Women and STIs
Women with STIs suffer greater physical trauma than men.
An infant born to a mother who has an STI is also at risk of contracting the disease during the birthing process and can lead to serious problems for the baby.
It is also possible for the newborn to contract an STI while breast-feeding if the mother is infected.
STIs should not be taken lightly. Most are curable with antibiotics. Some STIs are not curable but can be treated.
Presently AIDS is the only STI 100% fatal to those infected.
Do not let any symptom or question go unchecked.
What does the Center for Disease Control say
is the most reliable way to avoid transmission of STIs?
To abstain from sex, (i.e. oral, vaginal, or anal sex) or to be in a long term, mutually monogamous relationship with an uninfected partner.
This program is funded in part by a grant from the Minnesota Department of Health and from Private Donations from caring adults, churches, and businesses.