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girlshealth.gov
A health-education site the HHS Office on Women’s Health ran for girls and teenagers: puberty, nutrition, mental health, bullying, contraception and sexually transmitted infections, written plainly and without a paywall or an account. It was for years the thing a school nurse could point a thirteen-year-old at. The domain no longer resolves in DNS. 60 pages are held here, recovered from the Internet Archive.
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- 2012
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- United States
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- English
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- Public domain. A work of the United States Government is not subject to copyright under 17 U.S.C. § 105, so it is held in full with no exception claimed and none needed. Published by Office on Women’s Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services at girlshealth.gov, where the host no longer resolves in DNS as last checked on 2026-09-22.
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GIRLSHEALTH.GOV Office on Women’s Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Captured from the Internet Archive on 2026-09-22. girlshealth.gov no longer resolves in DNS. This file holds 60 pages, the most substantial the Archive has for that host. It is a capture of a site, not a complete mirror of it: pages the Archive never visited are not here, and neither are images, downloads or anything the site generated for a logged-in visitor. Each page is headed with its title, its address and its capture date.
Types of STIs Glossary | girlshealth.gov www.girlshealth.gov/body/sexuality/stdglossary.html — captured 2013-02-18
TYPES OF STIS GLOSSARY
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are infections that you can get by having vaginal, oral, or anal sex with someone who already has an STI. You can also possibly get them from skin-to-skin contact between genitals . STIs are also sometimes called sexually transmitted diseases, or STDs. Whatever you call them, though, they can cause serious health problems. And they happen a lot to young people: Almost half of new infections are among people ages 15 to 24.
There are more than 25 different STIs caused by many types of bacteria and viruses. Each STI has its own symptoms, but some infections have similar symptoms. One thing is clear, though. If you get an unusual discharge, sore, or rash, especially in the pubic area , you should stop having sex and see a doctor right away.
One partner can expose you to many diseases. You are at risk of getting all of the STIs that your partner's past and present partners have had.
Check out the symptoms, tests, and treatments for common STIs below.
A health care provider will test your urine or a specimen (a sample of cells) from your cervix .
It is passed through vaginal, anal, or oral sex. A mother also can pass it to her baby when it goes through her vagina
Chlamydia can be cured with antibiotics. Any of your sex partners should be treated too in case they caught it (and can give it back to you or someone else). Don’t have sex until your treatment is finished.
Genital herpes (say: JEN-ih-tul HER-peez) is caused by a virus called herpes simplex virus (HSV). There are 2 types of herpes virus that cause genital herpes: HSV-1 and HSV-2. Usually, genital herpes are HSV-2. But a person with HSV-1 — that’s oral herpes or cold sores around a person’s mouth — can pass the virus to another person's genitals during oral sex.
Herpes can be spread by vaginal, anal, and oral sex or other sexual contact. It spreads most easily through contact with open sores, but you can get it from skin that doesn’t seem to have a sore too. It also can be passed to a baby during birth, which can be very serious.
Your doctor may be able to see sores and take fluid from them to be sent to a lab for testing. If not, he or she may do a blood test.
There is no cure, but medicine can help make the periods when you have sores shorter and less frequent. Even if you’re taking medicine, you can spread herpes when you have sores, so wait until they’re gone to have sex. (And even if you have no sores, there’s still a chance you can pass along the disease.) Over the years, the times when you have sores usually decrease on their own.
Gonorrhea (say: gon-uh-REE-uh) is caused by bacteria that grow easily in the warm, wet environment of your reproductive system . Having gonorrhea can make you more likely to get HIV if you’re exposed to it. Untreated gonorrhea can cause serious problems, including not being able to get pregnant. If untreated, gonorrhea can also spread to the blood, joints, heart, or brain, but this is not common.
You can get gonorrhea during vaginal, oral, or anal sex with someone who has it. It also can be passed to a baby when the baby goes through your vagina during birth and can cause serious problems.
Your doctor will do a urine test or take a specimen (a small sample of cells, such as from your vagina) to test.
Gonorrhea can be cured with antibiotics. Any partners need to be treated too, or you can pass the infection back and forth.
Hepatitis B (say: hep-uh-TY-tis B) is caused by a virus that attacks the liver. It’s also called HBV. If hepatitis B doesn’t go away, it can lead to liver cancer and other serious liver problems. Most babies now get vaccinated for HBV. Talk to your doctor or look at your shot records to see if you were vaccinated. If not, you can still get the shots now to help prevent this serious illness.
You can get hepatitis B when an infected person's blood, semen, or other body fluid enters your body. This can happen during sex if you don’t use a condom. It also can happen if you share drug needles with an infected person or if you get a tattoo using a needle with the virus on it. A baby also can get hepatitis B from its mother during birth.
A blood test determines if you have it.
There is no cure for hepatitis B, but it often goes away by itself. Hepatitis B that doesn’t go away may be treated with certain medications. These medications can help slow down the infection, but they are not safe for pregnant women. Sometimes, if a person has been recently exposed to the hepatitis B virus, a doctor will recommend a shot that might prevent the person from coming down with the disease.
HIV (say: IH-myoo-noh-di-FISH-uhn-see) virus, or HIV, is the virus that causes AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). AIDS weakens the body’s ability to fight infection and certain cancers.
You can get infected with HIV when blood, semen, vaginal fluid, or breast milk from an infected person enters your body. This can happen during oral, anal, or vaginal sex. It also can happen when HIV-infected blood, semen, or vaginal fluids get into an open wound or sore. In addition, you can get HIV from sharing drug needles with an infected person. Babies can get it during birth or breastfeeding.
Usually a blood test is used to determine if you have HIV. Tests that use oral fluids or urine also are available. Only one home test is approved by the FDA: Home Access Express HIV-1 Test System. Be careful: You can buy other HIV home test kits online, but they are not approved by the FDA and may give wrong results.
There is no cure for HIV, but there are treatments that help infected people live longer and healthier lives.
HPV is passed through skin-to-skin contact, like contact between one person’s genitals and the genitals of someone else with HPV. Most often, it’s passed during vaginal or anal sex.
Your doctor may use a magnifying lens to look for warts. He or she may also put vinegar on the genital area so the warts become white and easier to see. A Pap test can find cervical cell changes early, so they can be treated before they turn into cancer. There is also an HPV test that can find HPV on a woman’s cervix.
There is no treatment for HPV, but there are treatments for the conditions that it can cause, like genital warts and cervical cell changes. For example, warts can be removed through special medications or through minor surgery.
Lice (a kind of tiny insect) that feed on human blood. Also known as “crabs.”
Usually a person gets it through skin-to-skin contact with someone who already has it. It’s also possible to get it from toilet seats, bedding, and clothing.
You may be able to see the lice yourself, but a doctor can tell you if you have them.
A prescription or over-the-counter medicine can kill the adult lice and egg lice. You should also wash any sheets and clothes that could have lice in them.
Syphilis (say: SIF-uh-luss) is caused by a bacteria. The sores caused by syphilis make it easier to get or give someone HIV during sex. If syphilis is not treated, it can lead to death.
You can get syphilis through direct contact with a syphilis sore. Sores usually are on the genitals, vagina, or anus (bottom). Sores also can be on the lips and in the mouth. That means you can get it during vaginal, anal, or oral sex but also by touching a sore with an open cut you have. A pregnant woman also can pass it to the baby she is carrying, which can be very dangerous.
A health care provider can do a blood test or take a culture (small sample) from a sore to learn if you have syphilis.
If it is treated early, syphilis can be cured with antibiotics.
Trichomoniasis (say: TRIK-uh-muh-NEYE-uh-suhss) is caused by a parasite (a tiny organism that feeds off you). It is sometimes called “trich.” Trichomoniasis is very common in sexually active young women. Having trichomoniasis increases your chances of getting HIV if you’re exposed to it.
You can get trichomoniasis if semen or vaginal fluids from your partner are passed to your vagina.
Your health care provider will likely give you a pelvic exam and take a sample of your vaginal fluid to test.
Trichomoniasis usually can be cured with antibiotics. Your partner should be treated too. You should not have sex until the treatment is finished and you both have no symptoms.
Types of STIs Glossary | girlshealth.gov www.girlshealth.gov/body/sexuality/.html — captured 2013-02-04
TYPES OF STIS GLOSSARY
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are infections that you can get by having vaginal, oral, or anal sex with someone who already has an STI. You can also possibly get them from skin-to-skin contact between genitals . STIs are also sometimes called sexually transmitted diseases, or STDs. Whatever you call them, though, they can cause serious health problems. And they happen a lot to young people: Almost half of new infections are among people ages 15 to 24.
There are more than 25 different STIs caused by many types of bacteria and viruses. Each STI has its own symptoms, but some infections have similar symptoms. One thing is clear, though. If you get an unusual discharge, sore, or rash, especially in the pubic area , you should stop having sex and see a doctor right away.
One partner can expose you to many diseases. You are at risk of getting all of the STIs that your partner's past and present partners have had.
Check out the symptoms, tests, and treatments for common STIs below.
A health care provider will test your urine or a specimen (a sample of cells) from your cervix .
It is passed through vaginal, anal, or oral sex. A mother also can pass it to her baby when it goes through her vagina
Chlamydia can be cured with antibiotics. Any of your sex partners should be treated too in case they caught it (and can give it back to you or someone else). Don’t have sex until your treatment is finished.
Genital herpes (say: JEN-ih-tul HER-peez) is caused by a virus called herpes simplex virus (HSV). There are 2 types of herpes virus that cause genital herpes: HSV-1 and HSV-2. Usually, genital herpes are HSV-2. But a person with HSV-1 — that’s oral herpes or cold sores around a person’s mouth — can pass the virus to another person's genitals during oral sex.
Herpes can be spread by vaginal, anal, and oral sex or other sexual contact. It spreads most easily through contact with open sores, but you can get it from skin that doesn’t seem to have a sore too. It also can be passed to a baby during birth, which can be very serious.
Your doctor may be able to see sores and take fluid from them to be sent to a lab for testing. If not, he or she may do a blood test.
There is no cure, but medicine can help make the periods when you have sores shorter and less frequent. Even if you’re taking medicine, you can spread herpes when you have sores, so wait until they’re gone to have sex. (And even if you have no sores, there’s still a chance you can pass along the disease.) Over the years, the times when you have sores usually decrease on their own.
Gonorrhea (say: gon-uh-REE-uh) is caused by bacteria that grow easily in the warm, wet environment of your reproductive system . Having gonorrhea can make you more likely to get HIV if you’re exposed to it. Untreated gonorrhea can cause serious problems, including not being able to get pregnant. If untreated, gonorrhea can also spread to the blood, joints, heart, or brain, but this is not common.
You can get gonorrhea during vaginal, oral, or anal sex with someone who has it. It also can be passed to a baby when the baby goes through your vagina during birth and can cause serious problems.
Your doctor will do a urine test or take a specimen (a small sample of cells, such as from your vagina) to test.
Gonorrhea can be cured with antibiotics. Any partners need to be treated too, or you can pass the infection back and forth.
Hepatitis B (say: hep-uh-TY-tis B) is caused by a virus that attacks the liver. It’s also called HBV. If hepatitis B doesn’t go away, it can lead to liver cancer and other serious liver problems. Most babies now get vaccinated for HBV. Talk to your doctor or look at your shot records to see if you were vaccinated. If not, you can still get the shots now to help prevent this serious illness.
You can get hepatitis B when an infected person's blood, semen, or other body fluid enters your body. This can happen during sex if you don’t use a condom. It also can happen if you share drug needles with an infected person or if you get a tattoo using a needle with the virus on it. A baby also can get hepatitis B from its mother during birth.
A blood test determines if you have it.
There is no cure for hepatitis B, but it often goes away by itself. Hepatitis B that doesn’t go away may be treated with certain medications. These medications can help slow down the infection, but they are not safe for pregnant women. Sometimes, if a person has been recently exposed to the hepatitis B virus, a doctor will recommend a shot that might prevent the person from coming down with the disease.
HIV (say: IH-myoo-noh-di-FISH-uhn-see) virus, or HIV, is the virus that causes AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). AIDS weakens the body’s ability to fight infection and certain cancers.
You can get infected with HIV when blood, semen, vaginal fluid, or breast milk from an infected person enters your body. This can happen during oral, anal, or vaginal sex. It also can happen when HIV-infected blood, semen, or vaginal fluids get into an open wound or sore. In addition, you can get HIV from sharing drug needles with an infected person. Babies can get it during birth or breastfeeding.
Usually a blood test is used to determine if you have HIV. Tests that use oral fluids or urine also are available. Only one home test is approved by the FDA: Home Access Express HIV-1 Test System. Be careful: You can buy other HIV home test kits online, but they are not approved by the FDA and may give wrong results.
There is no cure for HIV, but there are treatments that help infected people live longer and healthier lives.
HPV is passed through skin-to-skin contact, like contact between one person’s genitals and the genitals of someone else with HPV. Most often, it’s passed during vaginal or anal sex.
Your doctor may use a magnifying lens to look for warts. He or she may also put vinegar on the genital area so the warts become white and easier to see. A Pap test can find cervical cell changes early, so they can be treated before they turn into cancer. There is also an HPV test that can find HPV on a woman’s cervix.
There is no treatment for HPV, but there are treatments for the conditions that it can cause, like genital warts and cervical cell changes. For example, warts can be removed through special medications or through minor surgery.
Lice (a kind of tiny insect) that feed on human blood. Also known as “crabs.”
Usually a person gets it through skin-to-skin contact with someone who already has it. It’s also possible to get it from toilet seats, bedding, and clothing.
You may be able to see the lice yourself, but a doctor can tell you if you have them.
A prescription or over-the-counter medicine can kill the adult lice and egg lice. You should also wash any sheets and clothes that could have lice in them.
Syphilis (say: SIF-uh-luss) is caused by a bacteria. The sores caused by syphilis make it easier to get or give someone HIV during sex. If syphilis is not treated, it can lead to death.
You can get syphilis through direct contact with a syphilis sore. Sores usually are on the genitals, vagina, or anus (bottom). Sores also can be on the lips and in the mouth. That means you can get it during vaginal, anal, or oral sex but also by touching a sore with an open cut you have. A pregnant woman also can pass it to the baby she is carrying, which can be very dangerous.
A health care provider can do a blood test or take a culture (small sample) from a sore to learn if you have syphilis.
If it is treated early, syphilis can be cured with antibiotics.
Trichomoniasis (say: TRIK-uh-muh-NEYE-uh-suhss) is caused by a parasite (a tiny organism that feeds off you). It is sometimes called “trich.” Trichomoniasis is very common in sexually active young women. Having trichomoniasis increases your chances of getting HIV if you’re exposed to it.
You can get trichomoniasis if semen or vaginal fluids from your partner are passed to your vagina.
Your health care provider will likely give you a pelvic exam and take a sample of your vaginal fluid to test.
Trichomoniasis usually can be cured with antibiotics. Your partner should be treated too. You should not have sex until the treatment is finished and you both have no symptoms.
Links to more information | girlshealth.gov www.girlshealth.gov/body/moreinfo/index.html — captured 2012-12-12
Featured articles
Publications and Web sites:
- Fighting germs
Organizations
FEATURED ARTICLES TOP
- Birth Control: Abstinence
- Bumpy Road Ahead
- Everything You Wanted to Know About Puberty
- Getting Your Period at School
- Growing Up is Hard to Do
- Hair Removal
- How much sleep do I need?
- Hygiene basics
- Myths About Acne
- Plastic Surgery
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
- Should I worry about MRSA?
- What's the Right Weight for My Height?
- When Will I Get My Period?
- Why should I care about germs?
PUBLICATIONS & WEB SITES TOP
Understanding your body top
- Body Smartz! – Confused about puberty? Your questions can likely be answered on the Center for Disease Control’s BAM! Body and Mind Web site. Don’t forget to check out what acne looks like under a microscope and test your “smartz” about puberty with a fun quiz.
- It’s a Noisy Planet – Between fireworks, rock concerts, and lawnmowers, there are a lot of reasons you need to protect your hearing. The games and activities on this site will show you how to keep your ears healthy.
- Backpack Basics (Copyright © Nemours Foundation) – If your backpack is leaving you with a sore back and aching shoulders, you should check out these tips to stop the pain.
- Teenagers: How to Stay Healthy (Copyright © AAFP) – This guide for teens provides facts on different topics related to teen health. Learn how to take care of your physical, emotional, and mental health.
- Puberty: What Is Normal? (Copyright © ASHA) – The American Social Health Association’s beginner’s guide to puberty has some handy tips on how to survive this period of your life.
- What’s Happening to my Body? (Copyright © AAP) – A lot of changes happen between the ages of 8 and 13 that might leave you asking the question, “What’s happening to my body?” This fact sheet explains what you can expect and what these changes mean.
- Teenagers: How to Stay Healthy – This list of questions and answers from the Academy of Family Physicians will tell you how to keep your body healthy and safe during your teenage years.
Getting your period top
- Alternative Menstrual Products: A Guide for Teens (Copyright © CYWH) – This Web site has information about products to use during your period that save you money and help the environment. Some of the products it discusses are reusable cotton pads and the menstrual cup.
- Puberty & Your Menstrual Cycle: A Guide for Teens (Copyright © CYWH) – This fact sheet describes the menstrual cycle (monthly period) and puberty, which is the stage when your body matures and changes to become capable of reproduction.
- A Guide to Using Your First Tampon (Copyright © CYWH) – Using a tampon for the first time might seem difficult. The Center for Young Women’s Health solves the mystery by providing step-by-step instructions and diagrams.
- Female Reproductive System (Copyright © Nemours Foundation) – Ever wonder where your period comes from? Or how to pronounce those scientific names for the female genitalia (jen-ih-tale-yuh)? Don’t miss this interesting Web page about the female reproductive system.
- Irregular Periods (Copyright © Nemours Foundation) – An irregular period is sometimes normal. Read this article to learn more about what can make your period irregular and when it might be a sign of a problem.
- Especially for Teens: Menstruation (Copyright © ACOG) – Why do women menstruate? When will my period start? This brochure answers your questions about getting your period.
- My Little Red Book (Copyright © Rachel Kauder Nalebuff) – Getting your first period can be exciting or scary! This Web page has stories from real girls about their first periods.
- My Monthly Period and Symptom Tracker (Copyright © CYWH) – You can print out this chart, record your symptoms, and show your doctor.
Your reproductive health top
- Teen Talk, Vol. 2: Commonly Asked Questions About Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) (PDF - 204KB) – Want to learn more about STDs? This publication provides information on how STDs are spread, signs of STDs, the causes and signs of having an STD, as well as advice for prevention and facts to dispel myths.
- Breast and Pelvic Exams (Copyright © Nemours Foundation) – Your first pelvic exam might sound scary and uncomfortable, but this publication explains what will happen when you go to the doctor and how to feel more relaxed during the exam.
- Health Care for College Students (Copyright © AAP) (PDF - 244KB) – Starting college is exciting, but it also means you are more in charge of your health and well-being. Prepare yourself for this new responsibility by reading these tips your pediatrician wants you to know.
- Human Papillomavirus (HPV) (Copyright © CYWH) – You may have heard about the HPV vaccine, but do you know what HPV is? It stands for human papillomavirus, and this Web site tells you all about it.
- Your First Gynecologic Visit (Copyright © ACOG) – This brochure explains what happens at a typical visit to the gynecologist. It includes information about what you will be asked to do, what exams will be performed, what tools will be used, and more.
Getting enough sleep top
- Awake at the Wheel (PDF - 196KB) – Sleep is more important than you may know. Learn the top 5 reasons teens need to get enough sleep, and find out what you can do to avoid drowsy driving.
- Pillow Pitch – What’s the big deal about sleep? Even though it seems boring, there’s a lot going on while we sleep. BAM! fills us in on just what happens while we are sawing logs.
- Back-to-School Sleep Tips (Copyright © The National Sleep Foundation) – Falling asleep in class? The National Sleep Foundation comes to the rescue with some great tips for getting some extra shuteye.
Looking and feeling your best top
- The Environmental Protection Agency's SunWise Kids Program – Check out this cool program on sun protection from the EPA. Think you know everything there is to know about the UV index and the ozone layer? Take the EPA's challenge and find out!
- Skin and Grooming (Copyright © Sutter Health Network) – Learn how to keep your body clean and healthy. This Web site answers all your questions about tanning, hair removal, acne, strange smells, and more!
- How to Have a Good Hair Day: Taking Care of Your Hair (Copyright © iemily.com) – Think you are a hair-care buff? Not so fast! Some things we do to our hair to make it beautiful can actually harm our lovely locks.
- Your Skin Explained – Take a look at this Web site to learn about your skin! It provides quick facts on the inner and outer layers of skin, as well as the life of the skin cell.
- Body Piercing (Copyright © Nemours Foundation) – Nervous about going “under the needle?” This fact sheet has all the info you need about what you should expect when going to get a body piercing.
- Tattoos (Copyright © Nemours Foundation) – It might seem like everyone has a tattoo these days, but it’s a big commitment! Check out this Web page before you decide to get a tattoo – you might thank yourself later!
Fighting germs top
- Fight Bac! Safe Food Handling – Right now, there may be an invisible enemy ready to strike. He's called BAC (bacteria) and he can make you and those you care about sick. Learn how to defend yourself!
- The Buzz on Scuzz – When, where, and how do we prevent the spread of germs? The key is hand-washing. Also, learn how to prevent the spread of germs and fungus in the locker room at school (eeewwww!).
- What Vaccines Do You Need? – Teens need certain vaccines to stay healthy and disease-free. Take this quiz to find out which vaccines you may need.
- Scrubclub.org – Meet the Scrub Club as they battle Bac and his band of evil villains, including Influenza Enzo and Sal Monella. Learn how to wash your hands correctly, play games, watch Scrub Club episodes, and even download your official Scrub Club membership card!
Your sexuality top
- Teen Talk, Vol. 1: Many Teens Are Saying "No." (PDF - 201KB) – This publication provides a checklist of questions to ask yourself about whether or not you are ready to have sex. It also provides information on relationships, the benefits of abstinence, and how to deal with the pressures that may surround you.
- If You Think Saying “No” Is Tough, Just Wait ‘til You Say “Yes.” (PDF – 2.43MB) – There are a lot of things to consider when you start having sex. This brochure talks about a few of them, like love, pregnancy, and STDs.
- What is Abstinence? (Copyright © Answer, Rutgers University) – What does abstinence mean to you? Why do some teens decide to be abstinent? This straightforward Web site tells it like it is.
- Talking to Your Partner About STDs (Copyright © Nemours Foundation) – If you and your partner have decided to have sex, you should talk about sexually transmitted infections first. It might sound awkward, but this fact sheet will help you through it with advice on how to prepare and what to say.
- 5 Myths About STDs (Copyright © Nemours Foundation) – Think you can tell if someone has an STD by looking? Think again. This fact sheet dispels all the common myths about STDs.
- Sexual Attraction and Orientation (Copyright © Nemours Foundation) – Having sexual feelings is a normal part of growing up. People can be attracted to the opposite sex, the same sex, or both. This Web page talks all about sexual orientation.
- Birth Control Methods: How Well Do They Work? (Copyright © Nemours Foundation) – Not all methods of birth control are created equal! This Web page tells you which methods work best and which are likely to fail.
- Talking About Sex ... with Your Parents (Copyright © Planned Parenthood) – Parents can be a great source of information about sex, but they often don’t want to talk about it. Here’s some advice for getting your parents to open up.
- How to Use a Condom (Copyright © ASHA) – Condoms only work if you use them the right way! Read up on the dos and don’ts of condoms on this Web page.
- Sex: Making the Right Decision (Copyright © AAFP) – Don't assume that "everybody's doing it." You don’t have to start having sex until you’re good and ready. This Web site gives you the straight information about abstinence, the risks of sex, and how to know if you’re ready.
- STIs: Learn How to Protect Yourself (Copyright © AAFP) – You can get a lot of different infections from having sex, but if you prepare yourself, you can reduce the chance of STIs. This fact sheet describes some common STIs and how to protect yourself from them.
Getting help with your health top
- Question to Ask Your Doctor (Copyright © Nemours Foundation) – Your doctor is a great person to talk to if you have questions about your body. This site has a list of questions you can ask to ensure your privacy and to make sure you have all the facts.
- Talking to Your Doctor (Copyright © Nemours Foundation) – Having a positive relationship with your doctor is very important. Remember, there are no stupid questions!
- Health Insurance: Cracking the Code (Copyright © Nemours Foundation) – Understanding health insurance can be difficult. Here’s a list of terms that might come up.
- Choosing a Primary Health Care Provider (PCP): A Guide for Teens (Copyright © CYWH) – This publication offers tips on how to find a primary health care provider that is right for you.
- OPA Clearinghouse Family Planning Database: Locate A Clinic – Family planning clinics provide confidential STD testing, birth control, and other services, sometimes for free. You can find a clinic close to you by entering your ZIP code into this site.
Organizations top
- Center for Young Women’s Health
- Girls Incorporated
- KidsHealth
- Kids Skin Health
- YouthResource
- Planned Parenthood
- The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy
- Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Association
= This article is from New Moon , a magazine written for girls by girls. Check out the complete list of the New Moon articles on GirlsHealth.gov .
= This article, publication, website, or organization is from the U.S. government.
Types of STIs | girlshealth.gov www.girlshealth.gov/body/sexuality/symptoms.html — captured 2012-12-14
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are infections that you can get by having vaginal, oral, or anal sex with someone who already has an STI. You can also possibly get them from skin-to-skin contact between genitals . STIs are also sometimes called sexually transmitted diseases, or STDs. Whatever you call them, though, they can cause serious health problems. And they happen a lot to young people: Almost half of new infections are among people ages 15 to 24.
There are more than 25 different STIs caused by many types of bacteria and viruses. Each STI has its own symptoms, but some infections have similar symptoms. One thing is clear, though. If you get an unusual discharge, sore, or rash, especially in the pubic area , you should stop having sex and see a doctor right away.
One partner can expose you to many diseases. You are at risk of getting all of the STIs that your partner's past and present partners have had.
Check out the symptoms, tests, and treatments for common STIs below.
Chlamydia Genital herpes Gonorrhea Hepatitis B HIV Human papillomavirus (HPV) Pubic lice Syphilis Trichomoniasis -->
Genital herpes (say: JEN-ih-tul HER-peez) is caused by a virus called herpes simplex virus (HSV). There are 2 types of herpes virus that cause genital herpes: HSV-1 and HSV-2. Usually, genital herpes are HSV-2. But a person with HSV-1 — that’s oral herpes or cold sores around a person’s mouth — can pass the virus to another person's genitals during oral sex.
Types of birth control | girlshealth.gov www.girlshealth.gov/body/sexuality/bc_types.html — captured 2013-02-05
TYPES OF BIRTH CONTROL
Are you thinking about becoming sexually active? Have you already starting having sex? If so, you owe it to yourself and your partner to think about the kind of birth control that will best help you prevent pregnancy. When choosing, think about how well each kind works, but also think about which kind you’re likely to stick with and use correctly. Also think about whether it can help protect you from sexually transmitted infections (STIs) .
There are a few main types of birth control, or contraception. They include:
Read more about how birth control works — and what doesn’t work. Also learn what to do if you need birth control in an emergency .
- Barrier methods. These work by trying to block sperm from getting to the egg. They include the sponge, diaphragm, cervical cap, cervical shield, and male and female condoms.
- Hormonal methods . These usually work by trying to stop your reproductive system from releasing an egg. Some also cause changes in the cervix that can help prevent sperm from getting to the egg.
- Implantable methods. These include birth control rods that are put under your skin and the intrauterine device (IUD), which is put in your uterus (womb). They work in ways similar to hormonal methods.
Other than abstinence, no form of birth control works perfectly to prevent pregnancy. And only condoms protect against STIs — and even condoms don’t protect against all kinds of STIs. Your best bet might be to use a condom together with another type of birth control, like the pill.
Whatever type of birth control you use, make sure to read and follow all instructions carefully. If you’ve got questions, allergies, or any special concerns, make sure to talk with a doctor or other health care provider. This is no time to be shy!
Your doctor, nurse, parent, or other trusted adult also can help you figure out which kind of birth control might be right for you. You can also think about some questions:
- Do you feel okay putting something into your vagina, like a diaphragm?
- Can you see your doctor to have something put in for you, like a cervical cap?
- Can you remember to do what you need, like bringing condoms with you or taking a pill at the right time?
- Do you feel okay having something on your skin, like a patch?
Take a look at the alphabetical chart below to learn more about some popular types of birth control.
- Irritation
- Allergic reactions
- Toxic shock if left in more than 48 hours
- Toxic shock if left more than 48 hours
You can buy it over the counter.
- Irritation and allergic reactions
- Risk of toxic shock syndrome if left in for more than 30 hours
- Urinary tract infection
- Toxic shock if left in too long
To work well, the diaphragm has to fit right. Your doctor will find the right size and let you know when you may need a new one. Baby oil, petroleum jelly, and other oil-based lubricants can weaken a diaphragm. Use a water-based lubricant like K-Y jelly instead.
- Allergic reaction
- Weight gain
- Cysts on the ovaries
- Mood changes
- Hair loss
- Headache
- Upset stomach
- Dizziness
- Less interest in sex
- Sore breasts
- Changes in your period
- Cramps
- Bleeding
- Pelvic inflammatory disease
- Not being able to have a baby
- Tear or hole in the uterus
- Keeping condoms in a hot place like a wallet or car can weaken the latex.
- Baby oil, petroleum jelly, and other oil-based lubricants can weaken a latex condom. Use a water-based one like K-Y jelly instead.
- If you or your partner has a latex allergy, you could use polyurethane condoms instead.
- Nausea
- Changes in mood
- Increased risk of some cancers — but also reduced risk of other cancers
- Rare risk of blood clots, heart attack, and stroke
There also is a type of combination pill that reduces the number of periods to one every 3 months (instead of one a month like on the regular pill).
Some medicines and some herbal products like St. John’s wort may make the pill work less well.
Smoking increases some of the risks of hormonal birth control like the pill. That’s another good reason to quit smoking !
- Spotting between periods
Your doctor or other health care professional needs to give you a prescription.
Similar risks as combination pill, plus more estrogen than with pill (although it’s not clear yet if that’s a problem)
Your doctor or other health care professional needs to give you the shot.
- Headaches
The shot can cause a loss of bone density. The bone may start to grow when the shot is stopped, so the loss seems not to be a big problem for older women. However, it’s not clear yet what effect the shot could have on younger women whose bones are still developing.
Some medicines and some herbal products like St. John’s wort may make the shot work less well.
- Similar risks as combination pill
- Swelling of the vagina
- Vaginal discharge
Dating and sexual feelings | girlshealth.gov www.girlshealth.gov/body/sexuality/dating.html — captured 2012-12-14
Starting to date, thinking about romance, and feeling attraction all can be incredibly cool — and a little overwhelming. As you start thinking about love and sex, don’t forget to focus on feeling good about yourself. Take good care of your body. If you have questions, talk to your parent or guardian, doctor, or another trusted adult. And don’t do anything that makes you uncomfortable. You’ll probably remember these exciting days for many years to come, and you want to remember them happily!
As you start dating, think about what you’re looking for. A solid relationship starts with being with someone who supports you, trusts you, and appreciates you for who you really are. You want someone who deserves you!
When it comes to deciding about kissing and more, remember that so much of what you see on TV and hear in song lyrics is not real or healthy. And remember that there are lots of ways to show affection other than having sex.
- Deciding about sex
- What teens are saying about sex
- Talking to your partner
- It’s not too late to stop
- Could I be gay?
- Dating older guys
- Staying safe when dating
- What about masturbation?
DECIDING ABOUT SEX TOP
For teens, not having sex — abstinence — makes good sense. That’s partly because your chances of staying safe from unplanned pregnancy and HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are better if you wait. It’s also partly because being older can help you handle the strong emotional aspects of sex. Just because your body seems ready doesn’t mean that you are!
When people say “sex,” they usually mean sexual intercourse, or a man putting his penis in a woman’s vagina. But even if you don’t have sex and are thinking about other types of sexual contact, like touching your partner’s genitals , you want to make sure you’re taking good care of yourself. These are very personal acts and are worth thinking about in a serious way. Also keep in mind that it is possible to get pregnant if a boy ejaculates (“comes”) on the outside of your vagina. And remember that you can get some STIs from oral sex or from genital-to-genital contact that isn’t intercourse. Above all, don’t do anything sexual that doesn’t feel right to you.
In a recent study, young women were more likely than young men to do something sexual that their partner wanted to do even though they didn’t like doing it . What’s up with that? You can say "no" and take control of your body!
If you are deciding about sex, you’ve got a lot to think about. And it makes sense to do your thinking in advance — not when you’re swept up in the excitement of the moment.
Think about your values, deepest feelings, and future goals. Remember that having sex with someone is no guarantee that you’ll stay together. And as much as you care what the other person thinks, it’s what you think that really matters!
If you need help, talk to your parent or guardian, doctor, or another adult you trust. You also might want to consider some important questions about whether you’re ready for sex.
WHAT TEENS ARE SAYING ABOUT SEX TOP
You may get lots of messages about sex, everything from intense music lyrics to strict religious rules. Here’s what some young people are saying about waiting, staying safe, and respecting their bodies.
TALKING WITH YOUR PARTNER ABOUT SEX TOP
Anyone you’re seriously thinking about having sex with should be someone you can talk to about it. Talk about what kind of birth control you would use to protect yourselves from pregnancy and STIs. Talk about respecting each other’s feelings and not feeling pressured. It’s a good idea to talk about these things at a time and in a place where you’re comfortable and won’t be interrupted. And it’s a great idea to do this while your clothes are still on!
IT’S NOT TOO LATE TO STOP TOP
Some people feel like once they’ve had sex there’s no turning back. That’s not true. You don’t have to feel bad about yourself if you regret having sex. Everybody makes mistakes — that’s just part of learning. But it doesn’t make sense to keep doing something that feels wrong to you.
COULD I BE GAY? TOP
If you’re having feelings of romantic or physical attraction to other girls, you may wonder about your sexual orientation . It’s natural as you develop to wonder about these feelings, and it may take time to figure out your sexual orientation. Also, having a gay or lesbian parent or sibling doesn’t mean you are gay.
If you’re feeling concerned about your sexual orientation, talk to someone you trust. Also, if you’re feeling stressed about telling others you’re gay or if you’re being bullied about being gay, you can get help. If you feel like you are going to hurt yourself, reach out right away to an adult, a friend you trust, or a counselor. Things can get better. You can visit The Trevor Project or call 866-488-7386.
If you are going to have sex with another girl, keep in mind that women who have sex with women are at risk for many of the same STIs as women who have sex with men. Also, if you are a lesbian, it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor about protecting your overall health. Lesbians are more likely have certain health problems, like obesity, smoking, and depression, so make sure you learn how to stay healthy and strong.
DATING OLDER GUYS TOP
If you date someone a few years older than you, the chances go up that your partner will want to have sex before you feel ready. And research shows that girls with older partners are more likely to face an unwanted pregnancy. Also, if you have sex with a man who is legally an adult and you’re underage, he could go to jail. Rules for this are different in each state.
STAYING SAFE WHEN DATING TOP
You should always feel physically and emotionally safe in a dating relationship. Consider some of the advice below to take good care of yourself.
Remember that you deserve to make your own decisions about sex and not feel rushed or threatened. You don’t owe anyone sex, whether they pressure you by being nasty or by being nice! Sometimes in an unhealthy relationship a partner may try to get you pregnant even though you’re not ready. Remember that it’s your body and your future! Learn about getting out of unhealthy relationships . Learn more about rape and sexual assault . If someone forces you to do anything sexually, tell a trusted adult or call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-4673 (HOPE).
To stay safe in a dating situation, it’s a good idea to avoid drugs and alcohol . They make it more likely you’ll do something you would never otherwise do, like have unprotected sex. And remember that someone can slip a date rape drug into your cup, so keep it with you at all times.
When you go out on a date, take your cell phone and cab money with you . That way you can leave if you start to feel uncomfortable.
Protect yourself on the Internet and in text messages. You may think “sexting,” or sending sexy photos or messages, is private. But messages can be traced back to you, and you can even get in legal trouble for sending or forwarding them. Whatever you send can get passed around, and can stay out there forever. Keep in mind that your parents and possible future employers could wind up seeing it. If someone dares you to send this kind of message, think about why they’re doing it — and what you have to lose!
Treat your body with the respect it deserves — and make sure others do too!
WHAT ABOUT MASTURBATION? TOP
You may have heard about or tried masturbation (which basically means giving yourself sexual pleasure). There are lots of opinions about masturbation. From a medical point of view, experts say it’s almost always not a problem — unless it’s interfering with your responsibilities or your social life.
Privacy policy | girlshealth.gov www.girlshealth.gov/about/privacy/index.html — captured 2013-02-05
PRIVACY POLICY EN ESPAÑOL
If you are under 13 and surfing the Web, the law says that you and your parents are in charge of what personal information websites can know about you. Some examples of personal information are your full name, home address, email address, phone number, age, or gender.
PERSONAL INFORMATION
You do not have to give girlshealth.gov any personal information.
You do not have to sign-up to use our site — it’s open to everyone.
You can give us personal information if you want to .
The only way we can see your personal information is if you do something — like type your email address in our contact/question form. We don’t collect information without you knowing. For example, some sites use hidden tools to watch what websites you go to. Then, they use that information to send you spam, or to make ads show up on your computer. We don’t do that.
Here are the places on our website where you might give us personal information:
- Contact/Question form. If you use our Contact/Question form, you need to give us your email address so we can answer you. You may give us your name, but that is not required. After we answer you, we delete your name and email address because we don’t need them anymore.
- Our Speak Up section. In our Speak Up section, you can give your first name and/or the state you live in with your comment, but you don’t have to. We will review your comment to make sure that it doesn’t show any other personal information (like the city you live in, the school you attend, or your phone number) before anyone else can see it.
- Target Heart Rate Calculator. You can enter your name in the Target Heart Rate Calculator on our Getting a Good Workout page. If you do, we don’t save it. It is just used to make the calculator’s results more personal for you.
- Create a journal. You might want to put your name on your journal cover using the Create a Journal tool. If you do, we don’t save it. It is just used to make your journal more personal for you.
- Website survey. We have a pop-up survey about girlshealth.gov that you may see. If you choose to take the survey, you are not asked to give any personal information.
- Parents’ newsletter. If you subscribe to the girlshealth.gov parents’ newsletter , your email address and newsletter preferences are collected by KidsHealth.org. They email the newsletter. You can read KidsHealth.org’s privacy policy for more details.
NON-PERSONAL INFORMATION
We get some non-personal information from your computer when you visit our website. We do not use this to identify you. Your computer gives this information to every website you visit.
The information we get is:
- The way you came to our website (for example, did you get on the Internet at school or through AOL?).
- The date and time you came to the website.
- The pages you read.
- The address of the website that linked you to us.
- The way you searched on the website.
We get this information from everyone who visits our site. We add it all up, and use it to find out things like how many people come to girlshealth.gov, and what parts of it are the most popular. This helps us make girlshealth.gov better!
THIRD PARTIES (OTHER COMPANIES OR WEBSITES)
Girlshealth.gov does not share any information about you with anyone else. If you sign up for the parents’ newsletter , the information you provide to KidsHealth.org is not shared with us.
HOW GIRLSHEALTH.GOV USES THIRD-PARTY WEBSITES AND APPLICATIONS
Third-Party Websites and Applications (TPWA) are web-based technologies that are not exclusively operated or controlled by The Office on Women’s Health (OWH), such as non-.gov hosted applications and those embedded on an OWH Web page that could cause personally identifiable information (PII) to become available or accessible to OWH, regardless of whether OWH solicits or collects it.
As part of the Open Government Directive, OWH uses a variety of new technologies and social media options to communicate and interact with citizens. These sites and applications include popular social networking and media sites, open source software communities and more. The following list includes the websites and applications we use and their purposes. For any sites or applications that collect PII, this list also includes details on information collected and how OWH protects your private information.
THIRD-PARTY WEBSITES AND APPLICATIONS
- Google URL Shortener – The Office on Women’s Health (OWH) uses Google URL Shortener to shorten long URLs for use in email and text messages, Twitter feeds, and on Facebook pages. Google URL Shortener collects and provides data on how often email and text message recipients and Facebook and Twitter-users click on the shortened URLs distributed by OWH staff. Google URL Shortener analytics show how many people clicked on the URLs posted by girlshealth.gov compared to the total number of clicks on the shortened URLs. Google URL Shortener analytics do not provide any personally identifiable information about the visitors who opened the shortened links. View the Google privacy policy.
- Facebook – The Office on Women’s Health (OWH) has three Facebook pages: Office on Women’s Health , Girlshealth.gov , and Best Bones Forever! . OWH staff post news and other items of interest to citizens on the Facebook pages. If you have a Facebook account or "like" the OWH Facebook pages, you can post comments or click on the "like" option for individual entries. If you comment or click on the "like" button, personally identifying information will be visible to womenshealth.gov staff and other Facebook site visitors. The amount of visible personal information will depend on your own Facebook privacy settings. You can completely avoid displaying any personally identifiable information by not creating an account, not posting comments, and not clicking on the "like" options in Facebook. OWH staff does not collect, use, or disclose any information about visitors who comment or "like" the womenshealth.gov Facebook pages. Facebook collects and reports on non-personally identifiable information about activities on Facebook pages. This information is password protected and only available to members of OWH and other designated staff who require this information to perform their duties. View the Facebook privacy policy .
- Twitter – The Office on Women’s Health (OWH) has four Twitter accounts: @womenshealth , @girlshealth , @bestbones4ever , and @SaludDLaMujer . OWH uses Twitter to send short messages (up to 140 characters) or "Tweets" to share information about OWH with visitors and respond to comments and inquiries sent via Twitter to OWH. While visitors may read the OWH Twitter feeds without subscribing to them, visitors who want to subscribe to (or follow) OWH Twitter feeds must create a Twitter account . To create an account, you must provide some personal information, such as name, user name, password, and email address. Visitors have the option to provide additional personal information including a short biography, location, or a picture. Most information you provide for a Twitter account is available to the public, but you can modify how much of your information is visible by changing your privacy settings at the Twitter.com website. OWH staff members monitor the number of subscribers and respond to comments and queries via Twitter, but the staff never takes possession of the personal information belonging to Twitter followers. OWH does not collect, maintain, disclose, or share any information about people who follow OWH on Twitter. View the Twitter privacy policy .
- YouTube – OWH embeds videos from YouTube on Web pages. You do not need to register with either YouTube or Google (YouTube owner) to watch embedded videos. When visitors watch videos, YouTube may record non-personally identifiable information about its site usage, such as channels used, videos watched, and data transfer details to improve its services. If you log on to the YouTube site before watching a video, YouTube may associate information about your site use with your YouTube account. If you log on to YouTube and comment on an embedded video, any personal information you included when registering for your account will be visible to visitors who click on the comment. If you do not log in before watching an embedded video, your site use will not be associated with you or a YouTube account. View the YouTube privacy policy .
WEBSITE LINKS
We link to other websites we think have good health information. When you leave girlshealth.gov, and whenever you are online, be sure to check the privacy policy of each site you visit. If they ask for your name or address, be sure to talk to your parents first. Here are some links to good information to help you protect yourself:
- Federal Trade Commission
- Internet Dos and Don’ts (Department of Justice)
- Safety on the Internet
WHO IS GIRLSHEALTH.GOV?
Girlshealth.gov is a project of the Office on Women’s Health — a part of the United States Department of Health and Human Services. If you or your parents have questions about our privacy policy, there are 3 ways you can contact us:
- You can write to us at: Attn.: girlshealth.gov Office on Women's Health Department of Health and Human Services 200 Independence Avenue, SW Room 712E Washington, DC 20201
- You can call us at 202-690-7650 .
- You can use our comment/question form .
For more information about us, read About This Site .
BE SAFE!
Be sure to talk to your parents if you have any questions. You can learn lots more in our Safety on the Internet section.
= This article, publication, website, or organization is from the U.S. government.
Straight talk about sexually transmitted infection | girlshealth.gov www.girlshealth.gov/body/sexuality/sti.html — captured 2012-12-14
Symptoms of STIs include itching, sores on the outside of your vagina, and pain when you urinate. But you also can have no symptoms at all, which is why it’s important to get tested if you’re having sex. Read more about the symptoms, tests, and treatments for common STIs .
It can be hard to think about illness when you’re feeling attracted to someone. But sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are serious stuff, and you owe it to yourself to know the facts. The truth is that STIs spread very easily, and young people have been hit hard by them. In fact, a whopping 1 out of 4 teenage girls has an STI. And untreated STIs can cause some pretty scary health problems. These include problems with your reproductive system , like not being able to have children when you want to. And they include pain, cancer, and permanent damage to your body. Read on to learn more about STIs and how to keep yourself safe.
- What are sexually transmitted infections (STIs)?
- Can STIs be cured for good?
- How can I keep from getting STIs?
- If I get an STI, will I know it?
- Do condoms protect against STIs?
- How can I get tested for STIs?
- Can I ask the doctor my personal questions about sex and STIs?
- What should I do if I have an STI or think I may have an STI?
WHAT ARE SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS (STIS)? TOP
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are infections that are caused by many different types of bacteria and viruses (and even tiny insects). You can get an STI by having sexual contact with someone who already has one. That means you can get an STI through sexual intercourse , or by putting your mouth, hands, or genitals on the genitals or on the sores of someone who is infected. Women who have sex with women also are at risk for some STIs.
CAN STIS BE CURED FOR GOOD? TOP
Some STIs can be treated and cured and will go away completely. Even if you get treated, though, you can get the STI again if you continue to have sex — especially if you have unprotected sex. Make sure to ask your doctor or nurse about treatment for your partner. Otherwise, you might just keep giving the infection back and forth to each other. Some STIs can't be cured, but you can get help with the symptoms. A few STIs can put your life in danger if they are not treated.
HOW CAN I KEEP FROM GETTING STIS? TOP
Have you heard about the HPV vaccine ? It can help guard against human papillomavirus, the number one cause of cervical cancer.
The surest way to avoid getting an STI is not to have sexual intercourse or other kinds of intimate sexual contact . Even waiting to have sex until you are older lowers your chances of getting an STI. It’s also a good idea to stay away from drugs and alcohol, which can lead to having unsafe sex.
If you do have sex, you’ll be safer if:
- Both you and your partner get tested for STIs
- The two of you have sex only with each other
- You always use a condom
Lots of myths about STIs get passed around, too. Have you heard that you can prevent STIs by douching, urinating, or washing after sex? Well, unfortunately, none of these methods work.
Also unfortunately, there is no vaccine to prevent most STIs. The hepatitis B vaccine can help protect against this dangerous STI, which can damage your liver. Most kids get the hepatitis B vaccine before starting school, but it’s a good idea to ask whether you’ve already gotten yours. Your doctor may also suggest that you get the HPV vaccine , which guards against some forms of human papillomavirus. HPV can cause genital warts and cervical cancer.
IF I GET AN STI, WILL I KNOW IT? TOP
The only way to know if you have an STI is to be tested. You may have symptoms from an STI . But lots of infections have no symptoms, especially in the early stages. By the time symptoms do show up, the infection may already have done damage.
If you do have symptoms that could be coming from an STI, like stomach pain, see a doctor right away. Also see a doctor if fluid comes out of your vagina that is yellow, gray, or green with a strong smell. A clear or whitish fluid could be normal discharge , but if it’s new and you have been sexually active, ask your doctor about it.
If you are having sex — or have had sex even once — see your doctor to find out which STI tests you may need.
DO CONDOMS PROTECT AGAINST STIS? TOP
Yes and no. Condoms provide good, but not perfect, protection against some STIs, especially gonorrhea , chlamydia , and HIV . But condoms aren’t as helpful in protecting against other STIs, like herpes , HPV (warts), and syphilis .
WHO CAN GET AN STI? TOP
Here are some key points about who can get an STI:
- Anyone who has sexual contact — and not just sexual intercourse — can get an STI.
- STIs affect women and men of all ages and racial and ethnic backgrounds.
- Teenagers and young adults get STIs more easily than older people do.
- Young women who have sex with women are still at risk for STIs.
- Becoming sexually active at an earlier age and having more partners increase the chances of getting an STI.
- If you have sex with someone who has an STI you can catch it even if that person has no symptoms.
HOW CAN I GET TESTED FOR STIS? TOP
If you need to find a place to get tested for STIs , you can.
Sometimes people are too scared or embarrassed to ask for information or testing. But keep in mind that many STIs are easy to treat — and dangerous if they’re not detected and treated.
When you visit your doctor, he or she probably will examine your skin, throat, and genital area for sores, growths, and rashes. He or she also may look inside your vagina and at your cervix .
Your doctor may take a sample of fluid or tissue from your genital, vaginal, or anal areas and send it to a lab to get tested for STIs. Blood or urine tests are also used to check for some STIs.
Of course, you may be nervous during these tests, but they usually are painless and quick. When the doctor gets the results, he or she will let you know if you have an STI and what to do next to take good care of your health. Sometimes, your doctor may want to treat you even before you get your test results, but you should still follow up to get the results and any other care you need.
CAN I ASK THE DOCTOR MY PERSONAL QUESTIONS ABOUT SEX AND STIS? TOP
Yes! Don't be embarrassed — doctors and nurses are there to talk to you about these things. If you are worried about your doctor telling your parents or guardian you are having sex, ask about her/his confidentiality (privacy) policy before you begin. Your doctor may encourage you to talk to your parents. But in many states, doctors can't share information about your reproductive health with anyone else without your permission, unless they think you have been taken advantage of or sexually abused.
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