Hepatitis B:
What are the risks of the disease? Hepatitis B is a serious disease. The first stage of it may lead to feeling tired, pains in the muscles, joints or stomach, diarrhea or vomiting, yellow skin or eyes (jaundice), death. Long-lasting infection with the virus may destroy the liver, lead to liver cancer, cause death. Each year 150,00 people in the U.S. get hepatitis B and 4,000 to 5,000 die from hepatitis B.

How is it spread? The virus is carried in the blood and body fluids of an infected person. It can pass through tiny breaks in the skin, mouth, vagina or penis. A person can get infected by having sex with an infected person; by sharing personal items such as a razor blade or toothbrush; by being stuck with a used needle ; during birth when the infected mother passes the virus to her baby. People can spread the virus without even knowing they have it.'

Syphilis:
This disease is not common anymore in the general population, however it is still possible to be infected with it.

Genital Lice:
Lice are not a potentially serious medical condition. They generally infest the pubic hair, causing intense itching and skin irritation. Treatment involves using medicated shampoo and washing clothes and bedding in hot water. Crabs can be transmitted both with and without sexual contact, such as through shared bedding, clothes or towels.

Vaginal Infections:
Vaginal infections can produce symptoms that include: foul smelling discharge, itching, burning during urination, and excessive discharge. There are three basic kinds of vaginal infections, caused by different organisms. Only one of these, trichomonas, is sexually transmitted. Testing is necessary to determine which type of infection is present. If it is sexually transmitted, then partners need to be treated as well. The other infections are yeast infections and bacterial infections (non-specific vaginitis).

Urinary Tract Infections:
This is an infections that affects the bladder. Most cases are caused by bacteria and are treated with antibiotics.

What are the symptoms? They are usually sudden and include: the frequent need to urinate; urinating in small amounts; painful, burning sensation during urination; feelings of fullness or dull pain over the bladder; urine with an unusual odor or cloudy look; or urine tinged with blood.

How is it treated? A urine sample will be tested to see what bacteria are present. Antibiotics are prescribed for 7-10 days. It is also recommended to drink plenty of water and to avoid beverages which contain caffeine or Vitamin C since they can irritate the bladder.

How to lessen the risk of sexually transmitted infections:

Abstinence is the only thing that works completely.

Wear protection.

A latex condom should be used during vaginal, anal, or oral sex.

Use spermicides that contain Nonoxynl-9 with condoms.

Never reuse a condom

If using a lubricant it must be water based (K-Y Jelly).
Oil based lubricants (Vaseline) can tear condoms.

Males receiving oral sex should wear a condom.

Females receiving oral sex should use a dental dam (a flat piece of latex hand held over the vagina).

If an open sore is present, avoid any contact.

Urinate after sex and wash completely.

What to do if you believe you have an STI:

Don't Panic.

Contact your medical provider.

Many STIs can be treated, but they will not go away by themselves.