NEW HOME TESTING KIT

FOR GONORRHEA AND CHLAMYDIA

 If you are a woman age 12-25 and live in Los Angeles County, you can get a free home test kit.  Go to www.dontthinkknow.org and get more information.  It’s easy.  It’s free!!!

There are two main categories of STIs: bacterial and viral. Some STIs are not categorized as either, because they are parasitic (like a bug or a tick). You can treat most viral STIs to control symptoms, and bacterial infections can be cured if treated right away. The only way to treat them, though, is to first see a doctor to get a diagnosis. You cannot treat or cure STIs with home remedies or time - in fact, time will only make the symptoms worse or harder to treat! STIs often have no symptoms at all, so the only way to really know if you or your partner has one is to be TESTED FOR THEM!

You can't tell if a person has an STI just by looking at them.

Chlamydia [Baterial]
Chlamydia infects more youth ages 14-24 than any other STI. Chlamydia is also known as the Silent Epidemic because someone infected with it often has no symptoms at all, but can still give it to anyone they have sex with. Testing for Chlamydia is available at all of our clinic sites and is painless. Because Chlamydia is a bacterial infection, it is curable if treated right away.

Gonorrhea [Baterial]
Gonorrhea is a bacterial infection. It is sometimes known as The Drip because symptoms can be drippy, discolored discharge from the vagina or penis. Many people experience no symptoms at all. Testing for Gonorrhea is available at most clinic sites and is painless. Because Gonorrhea is a bacterial infection, it is curable if treated right away.

Syphilis [Baterial]
Syphilis has three distinct stages. In the first stage, a person may notice sores on or around the genitals that are painless; many people do not see or feel them at all. Months later, a rash may show up, or some people experience hair loss, fever or sore throat. Finally, the last stage is severe and can take years to develop, which is why it is so important to get tested and treated right away. Some people may develop brain damage or blindness. Because Syphilis is a bacterial infection, it is curable if treated right away.

Herpes [Viral]
Herpes is a viral infection. Herpes symptoms are small, painful blisters or sores on or around genitals or mouth. Because herpes is a viral infection, it can be treated to control symptoms, but it will stay in a persons body forever. Most people with herpes dont know they have it, but they can still give herpes to anyone they have sex with.

Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) [Viral]
HPV is a viral infection, so even if a person is not experiencing symptoms, they can still give it to anyone they have sex with. HPV is the virus that causes Genital Warts - small, fleshy bumps on the genitals, which can get very large and hard to remove. HPV causes over 99% of cervical cancers and is the most common STI in the United States. There is a new vaccine that may prevent cervical cancer caused by HPV. The vaccine, most effective when given before the onset of sexually activity, is given in a series of 3 injections over a six-month period and can be given with other vaccines. The FDA has approved the vaccine to be given to women ages 9 to 26 years.

Hepatitis B [Viral]
Hepatitis is a viral infection that affects your liver. The virus can be spread through unprotected sex, needle sharing, or any other activity where there is contact with blood or genital fluids. Some people have no symptoms, but they can still give the virus to other people without knowing it. There is no cure for Hepatitis, but vaccines for children and adults are available.