Sexual Health
Sexual health is a state of physical, emotional, mental and social wellbeing in relation to sexuality; it is not merely the absence of disease, dysfunction or infirmity. Sexual health requires a positive and respectful approach to sexuality and sexual relationships, as well as the possibility of having pleasurable and safe sexual experiences, free of coercion, discrimination and violence. (WHO working definition, 2002)
Sexually Transmitted Diseases: Fact Sheets
STD Prevention
The surest way to avoid transmission of sexually transmitted diseases is to abstain from sexual intercourse, or to be in a long-term mutually monogamous relationship with a partner who has been tested and you know is uninfected.
For persons whose sexual behaviors place them at risk for STDs, correct and consistent use of the male latex condom can reduce the risk of STD transmission. However, no protective method is 100 percent effective, and condom use cannot guarantee absolute protection against any STD. Furthermore, condoms lubricated with spermicides are no more effective than other lubricated condoms in protecting against the transmission of HIV and other STDs. In order to achieve the protective effect of condoms, they must be used correctly and consistently. Incorrect use can lead to condom slippage or breakage, thus diminishing their protective effect. Inconsistent use, e.g., failure to use condoms with every act of intercourse, can lead to STD transmission because transmission can occur with a single act of intercourse. While condom use has been associated with a lower risk of cervical cancer, the use of condoms should not be a substitute for routine screening with Pap smears to detect and prevent cervical cancer.
HPV and Cervical Cancer Prevention
Gardasil is the first vaccine developed to prevent cervical cancer and other diseases in females caused by certain types of genital human papillomavirus (HPV). The vaccine, Gardasil®, protects against four HPV types, which together cause 70% of cervical cancers and 90% of genital warts. The HPV vaccine is recommended for 11-12 year-old girls, and can be given to girls as young as 9. The vaccine is also recommended for 13-26 year-old girls/women who have not yet received or completed the vaccine series. More info...
Talking to your Teen about Sex Mayo Clinic
Sexual Health Clinics
Licking County Health Department 675 Price Rd. Newark, OH 43055 (740) 349-6535 Tuesdays from 2:30pm - 5:30pm Comprehensive STD Testing available to anyone from age 13 and up. No parental consent required. No charge for office visit. Most treatments are provided free of charge. Testing is done for HIV, Syphilis, Chlaymidia, Gonorrhea, Trichimoniasis and Genital Herpes. Treatment is available for Genital Warts, Herpes Outbreaks, Chlamydia and Gonorrhea Infections, Bacterial Vaginosis, Syphilis and Trichimoniasis. Pregnancy Tests are available by appointment during the week or during the walk in clinic. Birth Control is NOT provided at this clinic. PAP tests are NOT provided at this clinic. Walk-In Only . No Appointment Needed. Average visit will take from 1-1.5 hours to complete. Family Health Services of East Central Ohio 155 McMillen DriveNewark, OH 43055 (740) 344-9291 or 1-800-688-3266 Email - fhseco@alink.com Sexually Transmitted Infection Testing and Treatment, Birth Control, Rape Counseling, Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening. HIV/AIDS testing and counseling are available by appointment. Family Planning Services: Physical exams for women, pap tests, screening and treatment for sexually transmitted infections, screening for high blood pressure, anemia, pregnancy testing, birth control supplies, and hormone replacement therapy. Emergency Contraception provided to women seen within 72 hours. Emergency contraception will not work if you are pregnant. Sliding fee scale for services - based on income.