Sexual Health

Pregnancy is not the only thing to be concerned about after having sex. STDs (sexually transmitted diseases) and STIs (sexually transmitted infections) are common. Some can be cured. Some cannot. Many have lifelong effects.

An estimated 19 million new sexually transmitted disease infections happen each year. More than 65 million people in the U.S. have an incurable STD. Most have little knowledge of these diseases. Educate yourself about them to protect yourself and those you love.

Condoms do not provide complete protection from STDs. They were found to reduce the risk of HIV/AIDS transmission during vaginal sex by 85%. The surest way to avoid infection with any sexually transmitted disease is to practice sexual abstinence while single.

There are still over 1 million people living with HIV in the United States. About one-fourth of those have not yet been diagnosed and are unaware of their infection.

Sex is a big deal. Know the facts. Make informed decisions. Respect yourself.

Source: Medical Institute (www.medinstitute.org) and CDC (www.cdc.gov/STD)