A vasectomy, or male sterilization, is a simple, permanent sterilization procedure for men. The operation, usually done in a doctor's office, requires cutting and sealing or blocking the vas deferens, the tubes in the male reproductive system that ca

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  Tubal ligation, or female sterilization, is surgery to "tie the tubes" (fallopian tubes) of a woman, which causes permanent sterility by preventing transport of the egg (ovum) to the uterus. This also blocks the passage of sperm up

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To keep from spreading a sexually transmitted disease: Stop having sex until you see a doctor and are treated. Follow your doctor's instructions for treatment. Use condoms whenever you have sex, especially with new partners.

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  Here are some basic steps that you can take to protect yourself from STDs: To keep from contracting sexually transmitted: Consider that not having sex or sexual relations is the only sure way to prevent STDs. Use a latex condom

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  Talk to your doctor. He or she can examine you and perform tests to determine if you have a sexually transmitted disease. If you think that you have an STD, it's important to see your doctor. Treatment can: Cure many STDs. Lesse

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Sexually transmitted diseases, commonly called STDs, are diseases that are spread by having sex with someone who has an STD. You can get a sexually transmitted disease from sexual activity that involves the mouth, anus, vagina, or penis. According

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Avoid sexual contact with people who are at risk of infection. If you decide to have sex, first ask your partner if he or she has any risks for infection. A male partner should always wear a condom. Even though the condom will not prevent 100% of STD

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  There is no over-the-counter treatment for PID. Usually, PID can be cured with antibiotics. Most women can have outpatient treatment. If you are treated as an outpatient, you must take your medicine just the way your doctor tells you to. If y

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  PID causes different symptoms in different women. These may include the following: A "stomachache," or dull pain and tenderness in the lower abdomen. Vaginal discharge that is usually yellow or green and may have an unp

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  Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is an infection in the female reproductive organs (uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries). Normally, the cervix (opening to the womb) prevents bacteria in the vagina from spreading up into these organs. Ho

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  Using condoms the right way is important to make sure you are protected. Latex condoms should be used during all sex acts, including anal, vaginal and oral sex. If you are allergic to latex, use a polyurethane condom. For oral sex on a woman,

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  The best ways to protect yourself from getting infected with HIV are to: Not have sex with a person who is infected or is having sex with others. Practice "safer" sex if you do have sex. Not share needles and syr

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What contact is safe? HIV can't live very long outside the body, so you can't get it through casual contact. You can't get the virus by touching, shaking hands, hugging, swimming in a public pool, giving blood, or using hot tubs, public toilets, tel

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What is AIDS? AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) is a disease caused by a virus called HIV (human immunodeficiency virus). HIV attacks the body's immune system. A healthy immune system is what keeps you from getting sick. When people have A

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  Syphilis can be cured with penicillin. The penicillin is given as a shot. If you had syphilis for less than 1 year, you only need to get 1 shot. If you had syphilis for more than 1 year, you need 3 shots--1 shot a week for 3 weeks. If you're

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  A blood test can tell for sure. Sometimes other tests can show how far the syphilis has spread. For example, your doctor may want to look at your spinal fluid. This is a way to see if the syphilis germs have spread to your nervous system. &n

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What is syphilis? Syphilis (say: "siff-uh-liss") is a serious infection passed from one person to another during sex. It's caused by a bacteria (germ). You could get syphilis by touching the blood or sores of a person who has syphilis, esp

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  If the test shows that you don't have HPV infection, you probably don't have a precancerous change on your cervix. A precancerous change is a cell change that might lead to cancer (but it might not). Your doctor may want you to get another Pa

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  Human papillomavirus (also called HPV) causes a common infection that one person can give to another person during sex. There are many types of HPV. Some types of HPV cause genital warts. Other types of HPV are connected with cancer of the ce

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  Know the people you have sex with, and limit the number of people you have sex with. Always use a condom. If you are thinking about using a spermicide, be aware that spermicides containing nonoxynol-9 can cause genital irritation and inc

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  A chlamydial infection is treated with antibiotics. Your doctor may want to obtain a lab test to see if you have the infection. Your doctor may decide to give you antibiotics while waiting for the test results. If the results show you have a

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  Chlamydia (say "cla-mid-ee-ah") is a bacteria (germ) men and women catch by having sex with someone who is infected. It can also be given to newborn babies by mothers who have a chlamydial infection during the last part of their pre

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  Tell your doctor if you have genital herpes or if you have ever had sex with someone who did. The main concern is that the baby may be born while you have sores or are shedding the herpes virus, which could spread the infection to the baby.

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  It's common to feel guilty or ashamed when you hear you have herpes. You may feel that your sex life is ruined or that someone you thought you could trust has hurt you. You may feel sad or upset. Keep in mind that you are one of millions

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  No. But medicines can help. The medicine acyclovir (brand name: Zovirax) can speed up healing and can lessen the pain of herpes for many people. Acyclovir pills can treat primary or recurrent herpes and can stop or lessen the number of re

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  See your doctor as soon as you think you may have herpes. Herpes is easier to diagnose when there are sores. You can start treatment sooner and perhaps have less pain with the infection.   What happens once someone is infected? Once

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  Herpes is the name of a group of viruses that cause painful blisters and sores. One kind of herpes, herpes simplex, causes both cold sores around the mouth and genital herpes (herpes around the sexual organs). Herpes zoster, another kind of h

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  Put the condom on before any contact is made. Unroll the condom over an erect penis to the base of the penis. (Uncircumcised men should pull back their foreskin before unrolling.) The unrolled ring should be on the outside. Leave

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  Follow the directions on the condom package for correct placement. Be sure the inner ring goes as far into the vagina as it can. The outer ring stays outside the vagina. Guide the penis into the condom. After sex, remove the

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  Male latex condoms can reduce your risk of getting an STI if used correctly (see the box below). Be sure to use them every time you have sex, during all types of sex, including vaginal, anal and oral sex. Female condoms aren't as effective

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