The Syd Project

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Me and My Story
What is Sexual Violence?
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  • Hotlines
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  • Music
  • Quotes
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  • Worksheets and Workbooks
Reporting
  • Victim: Yourself
  • Victim: Someone Else
After Reporting
  • What Now?
  • Legal Terms/Definitions
  • Legal Process
  • Victim Rights
  • Legal Process Tips
Awareness
  • Awareness Dates
  • Statistics
  • Myths
  • ACEs
Survivor Support
  • Healing
  • Supporting Survivors
  • Survivor Encouragement
  • Sexual Health
Extras
  • Feedback
  • Acknowledgement

The Syd Project

The Syd ProjectThe Syd ProjectThe Syd Project
Home
Me and My Story
What is Sexual Violence?
Resources
  • Hotlines
  • Books
  • Videos
  • Websites
  • Music
  • Quotes
  • Poetry and Spoken Word
  • Worksheets and Workbooks
Reporting
  • Victim: Yourself
  • Victim: Someone Else
After Reporting
  • What Now?
  • Legal Terms/Definitions
  • Legal Process
  • Victim Rights
  • Legal Process Tips
Awareness
  • Awareness Dates
  • Statistics
  • Myths
  • ACEs
Survivor Support
  • Healing
  • Supporting Survivors
  • Survivor Encouragement
  • Sexual Health
Extras
  • Feedback
  • Acknowledgement
More
  • Home
  • Me and My Story
  • What is Sexual Violence?
  • Resources
    • Hotlines
    • Books
    • Videos
    • Websites
    • Music
    • Quotes
    • Poetry and Spoken Word
    • Worksheets and Workbooks
  • Reporting
    • Victim: Yourself
    • Victim: Someone Else
  • After Reporting
    • What Now?
    • Legal Terms/Definitions
    • Legal Process
    • Victim Rights
    • Legal Process Tips
  • Awareness
    • Awareness Dates
    • Statistics
    • Myths
    • ACEs
  • Survivor Support
    • Healing
    • Supporting Survivors
    • Survivor Encouragement
    • Sexual Health
  • Extras
    • Feedback
    • Acknowledgement

  • Home
  • Me and My Story
  • What is Sexual Violence?
  • Resources
    • Hotlines
    • Books
    • Videos
    • Websites
    • Music
    • Quotes
    • Poetry and Spoken Word
    • Worksheets and Workbooks
  • Reporting
    • Victim: Yourself
    • Victim: Someone Else
  • After Reporting
    • What Now?
    • Legal Terms/Definitions
    • Legal Process
    • Victim Rights
    • Legal Process Tips
  • Awareness
    • Awareness Dates
    • Statistics
    • Myths
    • ACEs
  • Survivor Support
    • Healing
    • Supporting Survivors
    • Survivor Encouragement
    • Sexual Health
  • Extras
    • Feedback
    • Acknowledgement

Sexual Health and Wellness

Sexual assault comes with many challenges, including the possibility of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) and Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs), and pregnancy. Below, you will find information related to sexual health and wellness that you may find useful before and/or after sexual assault. Keep in mind that there are more STDs and STIs than those listed below. However, these are the most common ones. 

Sexual Assault Forensic Exam (SAFE)

The purpose of a SAFE (also known as a "rape kit") is to collect evidence from the survivor of sexual assault, which can be used if you choose to take further action against your perpetrator. The time frame for an exam is limited, so it is important to inquire about one as soon as possible, as long as you are comfortable with consenting to one. The video to the left explains will better explain what a SAFE is. To learn even more, click here or here. 

STIs and STDs

Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

Treated With: 

Symptoms: 

  • Genital Itching
  • Genital Warts

Genital Herpes

Treated With: Electrosurgery, Topical Wart Ointment, Cervical Conization, or Freezing

Symptoms: 

  • Pain During Urination
  • Genital Sores
  • Feelings of pins and needles
  • Skin Rash

Chlamydia

Treated With: Antibiotics

Symptoms: 

  • Genital Discharge
  • Pain During Sex
  • Pain During Urination
  • Pain in Eyes
  • Eye Discharge
  • Pain in Abdomen or Pelvis

Gonorrhea

Treated With: Antibiotics

Symptoms: 

  • Abnormal Vaginal Discharge
  • Testicular Pain (males)
  • Lower Belly Pain (females)
  • Fever
  • Frequent Urge to Urinate
  • Pus
  • Sore Throat
  • Irregular Menstruation

HIV/AIDS

Treated With: Antiviral Medication for HIV/No Cure for AIDS

Symptoms:

  • Flu-Like Symptoms
  • Pain While Swallowing
  • Loss of Appetite
  • Nausea and Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Genital Sores and Swelling
  • Oral Thrush
  • Red Blotches
  • Pneumonia
  • Weight Loss
  • Swollen Lymph Nodes

Syphilis

Treated With: Penicillin and Antibiotics

Symptoms:

  • Painless Genital Ulcers and Sores
  • Vaginal Discharge
  • Skin Rashes
  • Rash on Palms and Soles
  • Rectal Lining Inflammation
  • Swollen Lymph Nodes
  • Weight Loss

Trichomoniasis (AKA Trich)

Treated With: Antibiotics

Symptoms:

  • Foul-Smelling Vaginal Discharge
  • Genital Itching
  • Painful Urination (females)
  • Cervix, Vaginal, and Vulva Inflammation

Hepatitis B

Treated With: Antiviral Medication

Symptoms:

  • Fever
  • Fatigue
  • Loss of Appetite
  • Nausea and Vomiting
  • Abdominal Pain
  • Dark Urine
  • Clay-Colored Bowel Movements
  • Yellow Skin and Eyes
  • Web of Swollen Blood Vessels in Skin 

Pregnancy

For a person assigned female at birth, fear and concern surrounding pregnancy after experiencing sexual assault is possible. However, there are options, and no matter which option you choose, you are valid, worthy, and loved. You can learn more about each option below. When choosing an option, it is important to keep many factors in mind, including your ability to care for the child, as well as your personal mental and physical health. 

Pregnancy options

Parenting

Parenting involves continuing your pregnancy, giving birth, and parenting the child. 

Abortion

Abortion involves the removal of the child from the uterus.

Adoption

Adoption involves allowing another person, couple, or family to care for your child. 

Additional pregnancy information links

Planned Parenthood

Women's Care Medical Center (MCMC)

Planned Parenthood

Link

CDC

Women's Care Medical Center (MCMC)

Planned Parenthood

Link

Women's Care Medical Center (MCMC)

Women's Care Medical Center (MCMC)

Women's Care Medical Center (MCMC)

Link

Types of Adoption

American Family Physician (AFP)

Women's Care Medical Center (MCMC)

Link

American Family Physician (AFP)

American Family Physician (AFP)

American Family Physician (AFP)

Link

American Pregnancy Association

American Family Physician (AFP)

American Family Physician (AFP)

Link

Caring for your body beyond sexual assault

Whether you identify as a female or male and whether you were sexually assaulted or not, maintaining a healthy body is important. Part of that involves annual physical examinations, which can help to prevent and identify points of concern with your body. Although some parts of these examinations can be uncomfortable, they are essential to your health and well being. Self examinations are also important. 

People Assigned Female at Birth (AFAB)

People with female genitalia may choose to have a breast and pelvic examination as part of their annual physical examination. The video to the left demonstrates the steps of a female pelvic examination, as well as what to expect. For more information, click "Learn More".

Learn more

People Assigned Male at Birth (AMAB)

People with male genitalia may choose to have a testicular exam, hernia exam, penis exam, and prostate exam as part of their annual physical examination. The video to the right shows a portion of the male-specific physical examination. For more information, click "Learn More".  

Learn more

The Syd Project Est. 2022

  • Me and My Story
  • What is Sexual Violence?
  • Hotlines
  • Books
  • Videos
  • Websites
  • Music
  • Quotes
  • Worksheets and Workbooks
  • Victim: Yourself
  • Victim: Someone Else
  • What Now?
  • Legal Terms/Definitions
  • Legal Process
  • Victim Rights
  • Legal Process Tips
  • Awareness Dates
  • Statistics
  • Myths
  • Healing
  • Supporting Survivors
  • Survivor Encouragement
  • Sexual Health
  • Feedback
  • Acknowledgement

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