May 31 2008
Frequently Asked Questions
The following is a list of frequently asked questions.
What are STDs?
How do people get STDs?
What is vaginal sex?
What is oral sex?
What is anal sex?
Are anal sex and oral sex really sex?
Is it obvious when people have STDs?
How can I protect myself from STDs?
What is a dental damn?
What is a barrier method?
Are condoms still needed if a woman is taking the pill?
Can I get an STD from kissing?
Q: What are STDs?
A: STDs are infections caused by viruses or bacteria that can be found in semen, vaginal secretions, blood, and/or other body fluids. Some can be fought off by the immune system, while others can be deadly.
(back to top)
Q: How do people get STDs?
A: STDs are usually transmitted by having unprotected vaginal, oral, or anal sex. However, any activity that causes a person to come in contact with body fluids that are infected with an STD can become infected him or herself. Some STDs can also be transmitted to babies from their mothers during pregnancy or birth.
(back to top)
Q: What is vaginal sex?
A: Vaginal sex is when a penis is inserted into a woman’s vagina.
(back to top)
Q: What is oral sex?
A: The most common form of oral sex is when a penis is inserted into a person’s mouth. Other forms include mouth to vaginal contact or mouth to anus contact.
(back to top)
Q: What is anal sex?
A: Anal sex is when a penis is inserted into a person’s anus.
(back to top)
Q: Are anal sex and oral sex really sex?
A: Yes. While they don’t fit the dictionary definition, they are both an intimate form of contact between two people that involves the exchange of body fluids. Plus they can transmit STDs.
(back to top)
Q: Is it obvious when people have STDs?
A: No. While some STDs have symptoms that will be obvious, others can have no symptoms at all and when there are no symptoms, the STD can still be transmitted.
(back to top)
Q: How can I protect myself from STDs?
A: You can protect yourself by always using protection during sex. The protection could be a condom, a dental dam, or some other barrier method.
(back to top)
Q: What is a dental damn?
A: A dental dam is a flat piece of latex used during dental procedures. They can be used as a barrier method during mouth to vaginal contact or mouth to anus contact to protect against STDs.
(back to top)
Q: What is a barrier method?
A: A barrier method is something that protects against STDs during sexual contact. It could be a condom used during sexual contact that involves the penis or a dental dam, plastic wrap, or a latex condom cut up and opened flat used during sexual contact that involves mouth to vagina or mouth to anus contact.
(back to top)
Q: Are condoms still needed if a woman is taking the pill?
A: Yes. The pill will not prevent any STDs from being transmitted.
(back to top)
Q: Can I get an STD from kissing?
A: Yes. STDs like herpes can be transmitted through kissing.
(back to top)
