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Student Health & Counseling Services
Solberg Hall
(Southwest Door)
33rd & Grange Ave.
Sioux Falls, SD
57197
Tel: 605-274-5552
What do you need to know? It is important to realize that, if you are sexually active, you are at risk for a sexually transmitted disease. STI\s can be passed from one person to another through vaginal, anal, or oral intercourse, and possibly by kissing and intimate touching. Some of the most common STI's are Chlamydia, Herpes, HPV, gonorrhea, syphilis, Hepatitis B, and HIV.
What are the dangers? People with STI's often have no symptoms, but can still be passed on to another person. All STI's can be treated to help with symptoms; only some can be cured. If an STI is not treated, serious health problems can arise, including cervical cancer, liver damage, brain damage, and the inability to have children. If you suspect that you have an STI, it is very important to get tested and find out about treatment.
How do I know if I have an STI? Some common symptoms of STI's include:
How can I protect myself?
The most reliable protection is choosing not to have sex. If you do have sex, use protection, such as latex condoms during vaginal, anal, or oral intercourse, as well as choosing to have sex with only one uninfected partner. Always talk to your partner before you have sex, and insist on using a condom. The only way to know for sure if you or your partner has an STI is to get tested.
Where can I get tested/find help?