| Babies born to mothers who received no prenatal care are 3 times more likely to be born at low birth weight, and 5 times more likely to die, than those whose mothers received prenatal care. |
| Advancing women's health by creating an environment in which the public and elected officials confidently support women's health policy. |
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|  | Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) |
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| All plants and animals that reproduce sexually may develop sexually transmitted infections. Unfortunately, many people consider sexually transmitted infection a moral issue. But the stigma and shame that result may lead people to neglect taking good care of their sexual health. Many people find it very difficult to talk about their sexual health. But discomfort and shame can get in the way of common sense. They can keep people from taking good care of themselves and their partners by practicing safer sex and getting annual sexual-health checkups with their health care providers.
Practicing safer-sex allows couples to reduce their sexual health risks. Safer sex is anything we do to lower our risk of sexually transmitted infection. The basic rule for safer sex is to avoid contact with genital sores and prevent the exchange of body fluids, such as semen, blood, and vaginal secretions.
For good sexual health care, choose a clinician with whom you can be comfortable while discussing these issues. Keep yourself healthy by speaking frankly and openly with your clinician about your sex life and your sexual health concerns. Some clinicians don't ask - so take charge and speak up.
Remember, testing, examination, and treatment for sexually transmitted infections are always confidential. Tell your clinician that you want to be tested for sexually transmitted infections during your annual checkup. Otherwise, the tests may not be done. |
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| | | | Includes information on such common sexually transmitted infections as: Chlamdyia, Gonnorhea, Hepatitis, Herpes, HPV, PID and Syphilis. (pdf file) |
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