Three Simple Points to Protect Your Daughter from a Bacterial STD
- Keep your immune system strong
- Chlamydia and gonorrhea don’t always show symptoms
- Always use a condom
Before your daughter graduates from high school, let’s make sure she has a clear understanding about the common bacterial STDs, what they look like, and how they are treated.
The first important piece of information for her to know is that if her immune system is strong, it can overcome bacteria that invade. Unfortunately, what happens to many girls when they leave home to pursue further education or work, the many challenges they face take a toll on their immune system. This makes them more vulnerable to acquiring an STD.
A second important piece of information is that the two most common bacterial STDs are chlamydia and gonorrhea. Most of the time there are no symptoms at the beginning of these infections. You don’t even know you have it. Also, you don’t know if the person you are having sex with has it because you don’t see symptoms.
The third important piece of information is what to do if you think you have contacted one of these two diseases. A common sign is pain when you pee. You might also notice a discharge from the vagina. It is time to see your doctor if you notice either of these signs. Because these STDs are caused by bacteria, they can be treated with the appropriate antibiotic. You just don’t want to wait too long. Once the infection has been cleared by the antibiotic, don’t think it is over forever. If you have sex later with someone who is infected, you can get it again.
The most simple way for her to protect herself from getting these sexually transmitted diseases is to always use a condom.
These are not easy conversations to have with your daughter, but they are so important. I have written a brief pdf that you can download today from my website and just leave for her to read on her own. It covers the basics about the most common STDs and includes bacterial STDs.
Just a little bit of information can make all the difference for your daughter.
Dr. M
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