Hint: the flu isn’t one of them right now, and diseases such as diabetes and asthma aren’t contagious.
The three are chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis, and all of them are transmitted through sexual contact.
Chlamydia infects both men and women and can cause permanent damage to females, making it difficult for her to have children.
Gonorrhea is a common infection among adolescents and young adults, and its complications are serious for both males and females.
Syphilis causes sores on the genitalia, which spread the disease during sexual contact.
The only way to avoid STDs (sexually transmitted diseases) is to avoid vaginal, anal or oral sex. You can reduce your risk of getting these diseases by only having one sexual partner who has tested negative and by using a condom correctly every time.
The Family Planning Council of Iowa supplies local clinics with STD testing kits and processing of tests at no cost to the clinic. If sexually active people have insurance, they are encouraged to visit their regular clinic for testing, but anyone can use this program if he or she is concerned about confidentiality.
Call the Family Planning Council clinic in Urbandale at 877-811-7526.
Ann Cochran is the health navigation coordinator in the Dallas County Public Health Department.
