What is an STD?

STD stands for sexually transmitted disease. STDs can be passed from one person to another during oral, anal or vaginal sex. Sharing drug injection equipment can also transmit some STDs such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and Hepatitis B and C.  Many different types of sexually transmitted diseases have been identified. Common STDs include: Bacterial Vaginosis, Chlamydia, Genital Warts, Gonorrhea (GC), Hepatitis A and B, Herpes, HIV Molluscum Contagiosum, Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID), Syphilis and Trichomoniasis.

What are the consequences of STDs?
Some STDs are easily treated and some STDs stay with you for life.  There are four serious health consequences of some STDs which include:

• Infertility in both Males and Females
• Blockage of the fallopian tubes which can lead to tubal pregnancy;
• Miscarriage and increased newborn deaths caused by the infection being passed to the infant during pregnancy and childbirth;
• Genital cancers; and
• Enhanced transmission of HIV.

What are the symptoms of an STD?
Often, there are no symptoms of an STD.  Many symptoms can appear weeks or months after becoming infected, but half of men and women infected with an STD will not have any noticeable symptoms.
 

• For females:  symptoms may include burning or itching around the vulva or vagina, vaginal discharge, bleeding from the vagina other than during the regular menstrual cycle, pain in the pelvic area or pain during intercourse.
• For males:  a drip or discharge from the penis or pain or burning while urinating.
• For both males and females:  swelling in the groin, sores, bumps or warts in or near sex organs or mouth, and burning or pain when urinating or during a bowel movement.

What is "Partner Referral"?

Sex partners or drug-sharing partners of people who have an STD are likely to get that STD.  To prevent more disease, the partner needs to be told that he/she may have an STD and be offered services to prevent, cure or manage the infection.  People can contact and inform their partners by themselves or they can use a free service called Partner Referral (PR). Specially trained staff will locate, interview and counsel people with out disclosing any information about who had the STD. To find out more about Partner Referral, talk to your health care provider or call the STD Prevention Program at 603-271-4502 or 1-800-852-3345, ext. 4502 (toll-free from within NH).

How Can I Be Tested and Treated for an STD?
The STD Prevention Program oversees a statewide network of STD/HIV clinics staffed by trained health professionals in community agencies throughout the state.  Clients receive confidential counseling, personalized education, low to no-cost testing and treatment, and referrals to other services as needed.