Sexually Transmitted Diseases in Nebraska

1)     Common STD’s in Nebraska

2)     How to Prevent STDs

3)     Anyone Sexually Active Should…

4)     STD Services in Nebraska

5)     Date Rape
 

Common STD’s in Nebraska

 1)    HIV Infection and AIDS

a)     AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) was first reported in the United States in 1981.

b)    It is caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), a virus that destroys the body's ability to fight off infection.

c)     An estimated 900,000 people in the United States are currently infected with HIV.

2)    Chlamydia Infection

a)    This infection is now the most common of all bacterial STD’s, with an estimated 4 to 8 million new cases occurring each year.

b)    In both men and women, Chlamydia infection may cause an abnormal genital discharge and burning with urination. 

3)    Genital Herpes

a)    Genital herpes affects an estimated 60 million Americans.

b)    Approximately 500,000 new cases of this incurable viral infection develop annually.

c)     Herpes infections are caused by herpes simplex virus (HSV).

d)    The major symptoms of herpes infection are painful blisters or open sores in the genital area.

e)     These may be preceded by a tingling or burning sensation in the legs, buttocks, or genital region.

f)      The herpes sores usually disappear within two to three weeks, but the virus remains in the body for life and the lesions may recur from time to time.

4)    Gonorrhea

a)    Approximately 400,000 cases of gonorrhea are reported to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) each year in this country.

b)    The most common symptoms of gonorrhea are a discharge from the vagina or penis and painful or difficult urination.

c)     The most common and serious complications occur in women.

5)    Syphilis

a)     The incidence of syphilis has increased and decreased dramatically in recent years, with more than 11,000 cases reported in 1996.

b)    The first symptoms of syphilis may go undetected because they are very mild and disappear spontaneously.

c)     The initial symptom is a chancre; it is usually a painless open sore that usually appears on the penis or around or in the vagina.

d)    It can also occur near the mouth, anus, or on the hands.

e)     If untreated, syphilis may go on to more advanced stages, including a transient rash and, eventually, serious involvement of the heart and central nervous system.

How to Prevent STDs

1)     The best way to prevent STDs is to avoid sexual contact with others. If you decide to be sexually active, there are things that you can do to reduce your risk of developing an STD.

2)     Have a mutually monogamous sexual relationship with an uninfected partner.

3)     Correctly and consistently use a male condom.

4)     Use clean needles if injecting intravenous drugs.

5)     Prevent and control other STDs to decrease susceptibility to HIV infection and to reduce your infectiousness if you are HIV-infected.

6)     Delay having sexual relations as long as possible. The younger people are when having sex for the first time, the more susceptible they become to developing an STD. The risk of acquiring an STD also increases with the number of partners over a lifetime.

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Anyone Sexually Active Should…

1)     Have regular checkups for STDs even in the absence of symptoms, and especially if having sex with a new partner.  These tests can be done during a routine visit to the doctor's office.

2)     Learn the common symptoms of STDs. Seek medical help immediately if any suspicious symptoms develop, even if they are mild.

3)     Avoid having sex during menstruation.  HIV-infected women are probably more infectious, and HIV-uninfected women are probably more susceptible to becoming infected during that time.

4)     Avoid anal intercourse, but if practiced, use a male condom.

5)     Avoid douching because it removes some of the normal protective bacteria in the vagina and increases the risk of getting some STDs.

STD Services in Nebraska

1)     STD services in Nebraska

a)     The two county health departments in Lincoln and Omaha operate confidential STD clinics.

b)    HIV testing is also available at these locations. A testing fee is charged unless the client is unable to pay. 

2)     The telephone numbers for STD services information are:

a)     Omaha: (402) 444-7750 - 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

b)    Lincoln: (402) 441-8065

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Date Rape

 1)     Did you know that 35 to 75 percent of all rapes against women are committed by men that know their victims?

a)     This form of sexual assault, commonly known as date or acquaintance rape, is one of the least reported crimes.

b)    Part of the reason that this is so is because many women do not realize that they are being illegally victimized since the act is committed by someone they know.

2)     52% of women students have experienced some form of sexual victimization.

3)     1 in 8 college women have been victims of rape.

4)     1 in 12 college men admitted to sexually abusing women but did not consider themselves rapists.

5)     Of the women raped, almost 75% didn't identify it as such.

6)     47% of rapes were by first or casual dates or by romantic acquaintances.

7)     Over 1/3 of the women didn't discuss the rape with anyone, and over 90% didn't report it to the police.

What to Look for in a Date

1)     It is important for women to communicate their sexual expectations openly and reject the sexual stereotype that defines them as passive and compliant. Women who assert themselves and their sexual rights may be less likely to receive unwanted sexual advances.

2)     Men should know that they do not have the right to pressure or force a woman to have sex, even if:

a)     he paid for dinner or a night out,

b)    she agrees to have sex and then changes her mind,

c)     he met her at a bar; she dresses provocatively,

d)    he has had sex with her before, or

e)     he thinks women enjoy being forced to have sex.

What to Do if Your Have Been Date Raped

1)     If you are a victim of date rape, remember that it is not your fault! There is nothing for you to feel ashamed of or guilty about. And remember, reporting date rape may lessen the chance of it happening to other women.

2)     For help in overcoming the effects of rape, seek counseling.

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