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Sexually Transmitted Infections
A Sexually
Transmitted Infection (STI), also known as a sexually
transmitted disease (STD), is an infection transmitted through
direct contact with the blood, semen, or vaginal secretions or
with intimate skin-to-skin contact of an infected person. STI's
can happen to anyone, regardless of sexual orientation, race,
age or gender, and they may be present without symptoms. It's
not who you are: it's the behavior that you engage in.
Who's At Risk?
According to
American Social Health Association (ASHA), at least 1 in 4
Americans will contract an STI at some point in their lives. 66%
of all STI's occur in people 25 years of age or younger.
Take an
anonymous survey at The Body.com to find out if
you are at risk.
What Should I Do?
Abstaining from
any sexual contact, is the most effective way to prevent STI's.
If you do have sex, both male and female condoms significantly
reduce transmission of STI's. However, they only protect what
they cover, and transmission of diseases like Herpes, HPV, and
Syphillis can still occur.
If you are
sexually active, get tested for STI's. More than half of adults
ages 18-44 have never been tested for an STI other then HIV.
Early diagnosis and management are important in reducing the
risk of complications, so don't delay!
To set
a Confidential HIV Testing appointment or an STI evaluation
appointment, call KVCAP Health
Services 207-859-1500
Condoms are
available at the Health Center
Go to Health Center Information
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