Concerned about an STD?

Did you know that more than half of all Americans get a sexually transmitted disease or infection at some time in their lives? Often STDs do not produce symptoms and infected people have no idea they have an STD! If you have had oral, vaginal or anal sex, or intimate skin to skin contact, you should be tested for STDs. Hope Resource Center offers FREE and confidential STD Testing for women and men.

Condoms & STI Prevention

Consistent and correct use of male latex condoms can reduce (though not eliminate) the risk of STD transmission. To achieve the maximum protective effect, condoms must be used both consistently and correctly. Inconsistent use can lead to STD acquisition because transmission can occur with a single act of intercourse with an infected partner. Similarly, if condoms are not used correctly, the protective effect may be diminished even when they are used consistently. The most reliable ways to avoid transmission of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), are to abstain from sexual activity or to be in a long-term mutually monogamous relationship with an uninfected partner. However, many infected persons may be unaware of their infections because STDs are often asymptomatic or unrecognized.

WWW.CDC.GOV/CONDOMEFFECTIVENESS/LATEX.HTM

Symptoms of STIs

Many people have STIs have mild or no symptoms. It is ALWAYS possible to spread STIs and infect your partner (or be infected) even if no symptoms are present.

WWW.CDC.GOV/STD/HEALTHCOMM/FACT_SHEETS.HTM