LATINAS AND SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS

STI stands for sexually transmitted infection. More than 20 STIs have now been identified, and they affect more than 13 million men and women each year in the United States. STIs can be transmitted during any type of sexual exposure, including intercourse (vaginal or anal), oral sex, and the sharing of sexual devices. Some STIs are infections that are transmitted by close skin-to-skin contact. Although treatment exists for many STIs, others are incurable to date.

Understanding the basic facts about STIs - the ways they can be spread, common symptoms, and how they can be treated - is the first step toward prevention. The most effective way to prevent the spread of STIs is abstinence. On the other hand, the use of latex barriers, such as condoms, during vaginal or anal intercourse and oral-genital contact protects against the spread of many of these infections. However, there is no guarantee that transmission of a STI will not occur.

The STIs have been organized into five major categories: (1) What is the STI; (2) How does one contract the STI and how it is diagnosed; (3) What are the signs and symptoms; (4) What are the complications and how will it affect a baby; and (5) Treatment and prevention for the STI.