Many teens with a Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) don’t know they have one because they might not notice any different changes in their body (like warts, sores, itchiness, abnormal discharge, or pain with urination).
Even if someone doesn’t think they have an STD, they still can pass it on to another person. STDs can be passed through vaginal, anal, or oral sex. Some STDS are passed through intimate skin-to-skin contact (ex: herpes, HPV, and pubic lice) and the herpes virus can also be passed from mouth to mouth.
Because some STDs can be passed on just be kissing or skin contact, even if someone says they haven’t had “sex” yet, it is possible that they could have gotten an STD from someone. This means that, even if your new boyfriend or girlfriend says they are a “virgin,” that doesn’t guarantee that they don’t have an STD.
STDs have become common among teenagers and affect teens of all ages from all different backgrounds. You can’t tell who might have an STD by looking at them.
You can lower your risk of getting or passing an STD by getting you and your partner checked for STDs at a clinic near you before you have any intimate contact. (Find a clinic in California.)
If you discover that you or your partner does have an STD, you can get treatment at the clinic as well. It’s important to get treatment as soon as possible because some STDs can cause very serious health problems unless they are treated.
You can also lower your chances of getting an STD by using a barrier method like a male or female condom each and every time you have vaginal or anal sex. A male condom can be used for oral sex with a guy. A dental dam can be used with oral sex with a girl. STDs that are passed by skin touching skin won’t be prevented by condoms if the infected area of the body can’t be covered with a condom. Because a condom can break or fall off, if you are thinking about having sex with someone who has an STD, don’t! Wait until it is treated before having sex with that person.