If you are mature enough to have sex, you should be mature enough to acknowledge and recognize the infections that you are susceptible to.

Chlamydia - Chlamydia is a leading cause Pelvic Inflammatory Disease and infertility. Transferred through oral, vaginal or anal sex, it can be unknown to the individual until tested or experience complications during pregnancy. Both males and females can contract the infection and would experience symptoms such as trouble urinating, discharge and swelling of the genitals. Antibiotics prescribed by a physician are used to treat this virus but it reoccur if both partners have not been tested and treated, which should be done in order to prevent spreading, chronic abdominal pain and pregnancy complications.

Genital Herpes - Herpes are painful sores that begin as small red blisters on and around the genitals, similar to a cold sore. It is usually contracted through direct contact with an open sore and can be passed even if sores are not evident. There is no cure for genital herpes but medication is provided to lesson the attacks, which can reoccur after first encounter have healed.

Gonorrhea - Also known as “the clap”, this virus can result in Pelvic Inflammatory Disease or infertility in women resulting from oral, vaginal or anal sex. Usually appearing three to five days after an encounter with an infected person, there can be abnormal genital discharge, difficulty urinating, rectal pain or discharge, painful sex for women or swelling of the genitals. One dose of antibiotics will treat this virus but can be contracted again if partner has not been diagnosed and treated.

HIV/AIDS - Human Immunodeficiency Virus causes Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome attacks the immune system and weakens the body's ability to fight off infection. It is contracted through the spread of body fluids some, which are more potent than others. There is no cure for this infection, however there are treatment methods used in order to slow down the process. Any form of sexual contact with a person infected with HIV or AIDS can spread the virus to a healthy individual and tested for through blood sampling.

HPV - The Human Papillomavirus can go undetected with over 100 different strands now infecting the worlds' population. Ranging from no symptoms to genital warts and cervical cancer this infection can go undetected in males and females but tested for through routine pap tests for women. It can be spread through skin-to-skin contact or the exchange of bodily fluids but you can lesson your chances of contracting the infection by using a condom. There are no treatment methods for HPV but there are medications in order to assist in the healing time of genital warts.

Syphilis - Syphilis can spread through oral, vaginal or anal sex and attack the entire system causing serious damage to the body and brain. Symptoms include flu, sores around the mouth or genitals or rash on the palms of hands, feet or other parts of the body. This can be diagnosed through simple testing and treated by antibiotics but will reoccur through contact with an infected individual.

Pubic Lice and Scabies - Also known as “crabs”, this infection is spread through sex or use of materials from someone who is currently infected with pubic lice or scabies. Scabies produce signs such as itching, rash between the fingers or on your wrist, stomach ankles, and elbows or around the genitals. Public lice can be identified as small brownish bugs about the size of a pinhead and leave white, oval eggs that may be seen on the hair. Special lotions and shampoos can treat these or creams found at your local drugstore as well as consultation from your physician are recommended for further instructions.

Hepatitis B - Hepatitis is an infection of the liver that the body can either fight off itself or require medical attention. Physical symptoms include yellowish skin tone or eyes, loss of appetite, headaches and feelings of being tired. Most people receive Hepatitis vaccinations in order to prevent themselves from contracting this infection, which can be passed on through the exchange of bodily fluids.

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
PID harms the reproductive organs among females including pelvis, fallopian tubes, uterus and ovaries causing chronic pain and increase chances of infertility. Usually accompanied by another STI, this infection can cause nausea, vomiting, blood spotting and painful and elongated menstrual periods. Abstaining from sex along with rest and antibiotics can treat this virus after being identified through blood testing or pelvic examination performed by your physician.

UTI - Urinary Tract Infection is an infection caused by the spread of bacteria from the rectum to the vagina, urethra and or bladder. This can be sexually transmitted and be identified by burning sensation during urination, urge to urinate during the day and especially at night or lower abdominal pain. This can be treated by antibiotics and preventable by the use of condoms as well as cleanliness of both partners.

Intestinal Parasites - Parasites are contracted through a number of sexual and non-sexual activities resulting in the occurrence of bacteria within the intestines. This can cause abdominal pain, diarrhea, bloating and nausea and treated through medication prescribed by a physician. Prevention methods include practicing safe sex and cleanliness.

The Fowler Kennedy Clinic here at Fanshawe offers students on campus medical assistance as well as the option of the student health plan in order to cover a portion of any necessary medications and prescriptions. Available by walk in or appointment you can come down to room SC1001 or call 519452-4230.