A sexually transmitted disease (STD) can be transmitted through vaginal, oral or anal sex. Some STDs can be transmitted from touching someone else's genitals. The only way for a teen to prevent getting an STD 100 percent is to not have sex. If you have sex, a condom can help prevent some STDs but not all. If you think you have put yourself at risk, you should find a clinic where you can get tested or see your doctor. There are many different kinds of STDs, though there are some common ones listed below.
Chlamydia
According to AVERT.org, teens have a higher risk for contracting chlamydia than adults do. This STD can come from oral, anal or vaginal sex. Most persons with chlamydia do not have symptoms. Some girls get a vaginal discharge, burning with urination or abdominal pain. Guys will sometimes get a discharge from the penis and/or have burning with urination. Chlamydia can be cured with antibiotics. The best way to protect yourself is to not have sex. If you do have sex, using a condom properly can prevent you from contracting chlamydia.
Gonorrhea
According to AVERT.org, teens are more likely than adults to have gonorrhea. Many persons with gonorrhea do not have symptoms. Some symptoms include burning or pain with defacating or urinating. Yellow or greenish discharge from the penis or vagina, abdominal pain or bleeding between periods are other symptoms. Gonorrhea can be cured with antibiotics. The best way to protect yourself is to not have sex. If you do have sex, using a condom properly can prevent you from contracting gonorrhea.
Herpes
This infection can be transmitted to the mouth, rectal area, genital area, buttocks and thighs by coming into contact with someone else's skin. Symptoms might resemble open sores, jock itch, bug bites, irritation, burns or other infections. Medication can help control herpes. Someone with herpes can have an outbreak several times a year, and they can infect someone else.
Genital Warts
This is also known as human papillomavirus, and it is the most common STD in the United States. Having HPV can lead to cervical cancer in women. It is passed through sexual contact, and many people do not know that they have it. It can be treated or controlled if your doctor knows you have it. Symptoms might include bumps or growths in the genital or rectal area. There is a vaccine that can protect against some forms of human papillomavirus.
