West Los Angeles Handbook 2023 - 45

* Pain in the pelvic area
* Sore throats in people who have oral sex
* Pain in or around the anus for people who have anal
sex
* Chancre sores (painless red sores) on the genital area,
anus, tongue, and/or throat
* A scaly rash on the palms of your hands and the soles
of your feet
* Dark urine, loose, light-colored stools, and yellow
eyes and skin
* Small blisters that turn into scabs on the genital area.
* Swollen glands, fever, and body aches
* Unusual infections, unexplained fatigue, night
sweats, and weight loss
* Soft, flesh-colored warts around the genital area
Should I be checked for STIs?
See your doctor if you're at risk for having an STI, if you
have any of the symptoms listed above, or if you have
concerns about whether you have one. STIs can cause
problems if left untreated.
How are STIs diagnosed?
Most STIs can be diagnosed through an exam by your
doctor, a culture of the secretions from your vagina or
penis, or through a blood test.
Can STIs be prevented?
Yes. The only sure way to prevent STIs is by not having
sex. If you have sex, you can lower your risk of getting
an STI by only having sex with someone who isn't
having sex with anyone else and who doesn't have an
STI. You should always use condoms when having sex,
including oral and anal sex.
Do condoms prevent STIs?
External and internal latex condoms can reduce your
risk of getting an STI if used correctly. Be sure to use
them every time you have sex. Remember, though,
that condoms aren't 100 percent safe and can't protect
you from coming in contact with some sores, such as
those that can occur with herpes or warts, which can be
caused by HPV infection.
Pregnancy & Substance Use
Smoking & pregnancy
Smoking decreases your chances for conception and
reduces sperm count. Smoking during pregnancy can
lead to developmental problems, low birth weight,
miscarriages, preterm labor, and stillbirths. While you are
pregnant, it's crucial that you stay away from things that
can harm your baby. Cigarette smoke (even if it is secondhand
smoke), is harmful to your baby.
Opioid use & pregnancy
It is not recommended for people to discontinue opioids
during pregnancy without the help of a healthcare
provider. People who are pregnant and using opioids
such as heroin, oxycodone or others should talk to their
doctors about being treated for opioid use disorder
with the help of medication and therapy support.
Stopping opioids " cold turkey " and experiencing opioid
withdrawal can lead to adverse outcomes for parent and
baby.
Cannabis use & pregnancy
It is not recommended for people to use cannabis during
pregnancy. Adverse outcomes such as babies with
low birth weight have been associated with smoking
marijuana in pregnancy. In addition, cannabis has also
been linked to problems with childhood development
and learning later on.
Methamphetamine use & pregnancy
It is not recommended for people to use
methamphetamine during pregnancy. Use of this
stimulant has been associated with placental abruption
(tearing of the placenta from the uterus), which increases
health risks to parent and baby. Low birth weight, heart
and brain complications in the fetus have also been
found. Some studies suggest that children who were
exposed to methamphetamine prenatally may develop
learning disorders or behavioral issues as well.
Drinking while pregnant
Alcohol use during pregnancy is one of the top
preventable causes of birth defects and developmental
disabilities. There is no known amount of alcohol that
is safe to drink while pregnant. There is no time during
pregnancy when it is safe to drink. When a pregnant
person drinks alcohol, their baby does too.
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West Los Angeles Handbook 2023

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of West Los Angeles Handbook 2023
