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[STDs]

Sexually Transmitted Diseases or Infections (STDs or STIs)* can be very serious. If you think you are at risk, contact Family Planning or another health care provider…soon!

• Over half of people aged 15-25 in the United States have an STD.

• Having an STD can increase your chances of getting another STDor HIV/AIDS.

• An untreated STI can lead to infertility (the inability to have a baby) in both women and men.

• 70% of people who are infected with an STD show NO symptoms.

• Human Papilloma Virus (genital warts) is a leading cause of cervical cancer in women.

• STDs can lead to Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) in women.

*Also sometimes referred to as Venereal Disease (VD).

What Else Could it Be?

Not all infections are sexually transmitted. If you have any symptoms, visit a Family Planning Clinic or another health care provider to be treated.

Itching in the pubic area and visible lice or eggs, it could be Pubic Lice (“Crabs”).

Intense itching and a red rash on your genitals, hands, or other body parts, it could be Scabies.

These infections are often spread through sexual contact, but can also be passed on by infected towels, toilet seats, clothes, and close contact.

White, lumpy discharge, pain during intercourse, itching or irritation of the genitals, it could be a Yeast Infection (Candidiasis).

Itching, irritation, unusual discharge and odor, it could be Bacterial Vaginosis.

Painful and frequent urination, it could be a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI).

How Can You Protect Yourself?

The best way to protect yourself is by NOT having vaginal, anal, or oral sex.

Limit your number of sexual partners.

Talk to your partner about past sexual contacts and needle drug use.

If you or your partner have a rash, sore, redness, or discharge or if you are worried about an STI….DON’T HAVE SEX.

Avoid all sexual contact until you and your partner have completed treatment.

Get Checked for STDs:

Every time you have a health exam.

If you or your partner has sex with someone else.

Any time you think you might be at risk, even if you don’t have symptoms.

Use latex condoms correctly every time you have sex. REMEMBER, condoms do not provide complete protection from all STDs.

If you have any symptoms, or think you may be at risk for an STD, don’t put it off!

Visit your Family Planning Clinic or
another health care provider as soon as possible.

WHERE'S MY FAMILY PLANNING CENTER?

There are many Family Planning Centers in Maine.

Call 1-877-326-2345

You'll be automatically connected with the Family Planning Clinic nearest you.

Printable STD pamphlet
(pdf 207 kb)

You can also call toll free:

Maine Hotline
1-800-851-2437

National Hotline
1-800-227-8922

Chlamydia

Bacterial Sexually Transmitted Infections

Viral Sexually Transmitted Infections

HIV Information