Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are diseases that are spread between people by having unprotected sex with someone who has an STD. STDs can be transmitted through any type of sexual activity including the vagina, penis, anus or mouth, and occur between both heterosexual and homosexual partners, alike.
No one is immune to catching an STD. Some STDs cannot be cured and are fatal; therefore, prevention of spreading and prevention from catching are vitally important. Preventing STDs is not complicated and simply requires knowledge and minor intervention.
What are the Main STDs?
- HIV/AIDS — Some people experience signs and symptoms of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) as soon as they become infected, but others do not. About 11% of new AIDS cases are older than 50 years old. HIV destroys the white blood cells that are required to fight infection. As the white cell count falls to dangerous levels, numerous infections and diseases emerge. It is at this point that a person is said to have AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome).
- Syphilis — Syphilis transmission occurs most frequently by sexual contact with an infected person’s sores, which often go unnoticed or are unidentifiable, and can even be passed by extended kissing and close bodily contact. Syphilis is widespread in the United States, but is most common in the south. Syphilis primarily affects sexually active men between 20-29 years of age, but anyone can contract the disease. The onset of syphilis often begins with a sore on the body part that has been in contact with the infection. Left untreated, this disease can progress to severe problems with the brain, heart and nervous system; even causing death. The main of therapy for syphilis is antibiotic treatment, usually penicillin.
- Gonorrhea — Every year about 600,000 cases are reported in the USA, and approximately 200 million cases of gonorrhea worldwide. The incidence of gonorrhea is highest in high-density urban areas among young people under 24 year of age, who have multiple sex partners and engage in unprotected sexual intercourse. None of the tests are painful, but may just be slightly uncomfortable. Although gonorrhea is a more localized infection than other STDs, if left untreated, it can spread to the blood stream and infect bone joints causing arthritis.
- Chlamydia — Chlamydia is the most common sexual infection in men, and affects millions of women every year, as well. Chlamydia is easy to pass on during unprotected sexual contact, and can be transmitted during vaginal, anal or oral sex. Often, symptoms are not always present, which is why the disease gets left untreated and spreads rampantly. However, if a man does have symptoms they are as follows: a white, cloudy and watery or greenish-yellow discharge from the penis, pain or burning with urination, a possible increase in the frequency of urination, and burning and itching around the opening of the penis. Chlamydia is diagnosed by either a urine test, or by collecting a swab sample from the urethra (the tube that carries urine out of the body) of the penis. Left untreated, Chlamydia can cause painful inflammation of the testicles or proctitis – inflammation of the rectum.
- Genital Warts — Approximately 20 million Americans are infected with one of the hundred types of human papillomavirus (HPV), of which a few are responsible for genital warts. Genital warts are usually raised areas on the skin that often resemble cauliflower, are pink or flesh colored, and can appear on the penis, scrotum, anus, groin or thigh. The only way to prevent getting genital warts is to avoid all direct contact with the virus. No cure is currently available for the HPV virus itself; however there are treatments that focus on symptoms. Genital warts respond to treatment, but they typically recur.
- Genital Herpes — An infection that affects the penis, vagina, buttock and anal area is spread through vaginal or anal intercourse, and oral sex, as well. Often undetected, genital herpes is caused by a life long virus, herpes simplex virus (HSV), which never goes away. One in nine men between the ages of 14 and 49 is infected. Many either never experience or have minimal symptoms; however, when outbreaks occur it presents in the form of blisters, which eventually break causing ulcers, and are usually very painful. There is no treatment to cure herpes, but antiviral medications can help shorten and prevent outbreaks.
- Crabs — Crabs itch and bite, but are easily disposed of. Crabs are contracted by being in direct physical contact with someone who is infested. They can occasionally be transmitted by contact with the towels, bed sheets or clothes of an infested person.
- Non-Specific Urethritis — Non-specific urethritis is on the increase and refers to inflammation of the urethra (the tube through which urine passes). The disease is passed from an infected person during anal, oral or vaginal sex. The incubation period is highly variable, but is generally between one to four weeks. Very rarely, non-specific urethritis can be caused by excessive friction during masturbation or sexual intercourse, an allergic reaction to soap or detergents, or even excessive alcohol intake.
- Trichomoniasis — Trichomoniasis is a parasitic infection which infects the urethra (the tube that carries urine out of the body). Men usually get Trichomoniasis from infected women. The parasite, Trichomonas vaginalis, is sexually transmitted by oral and anal sex, vaginal intercourse, and is occasionally transmitted by sharing sex toys, damp towels or using hot tubs. Many show no symptoms; however, itching and/or irritation inside the penis, burning after urination and ejaculation, or discharge from the penis are typical symptoms when they do occur.
How to Protect Yourself from STDs
Your Main Sex Organ
The greatest part of arousal occurs in the brain, thereby giving it the title of the main sex organ. Your brain is also your safest sex organ – use your brain! Educate yourself about STDs and how to prevent them. Your decision to have a safe sex life is yours and yours alone – make it a priority!
ALWAYS Practice Safe Sex
Consistently utilizing the safe sex tools, such as the male and /or female condom, gloves, and other appropriate barriers are safe sex practices. The key word is consistency, which means every time you have sex. Make up your mind to have safe sex every time you have sex. Barriers are not 100%, but they will greatly reduce risks.
Testing Times Two
Consistently get tested. Both you and your partner must consistently (there’s that key word again) get tested.
Monogamous Relationship
If you and your partner have been tested and are healthy, remaining faithful to each other is an effective prevention method against STDs… as long as you and your partner are truly faithful.
Partner’s Background
Only engage in sex with a partner you know and trust. If you’re not monogamous with this person, before any sexual activity, ask her or him to be tested, and offer to get tested, as well. It’s difficult to wait for testing, but it could save your life. If he or she refuses, do not have sex.
Open Communication
You need to be able to talk honestly and comfortably with your partner about your dating status (exclusive or not), safe sex practice and STD testing. Effective communication makes your sex life safer and ultimately more fulfilling.
Prior Planning
Prior planning prevents poor performance; therefore, don’t wait until you are in the midst of passion to make a decision about practicing safe sex. Make a balanced decision BEFORE you leave for your date, excursion, meeting or otherwise.
B.Y.O.P.
Bring your own protection. It is always your responsibility. The worst thing that can happen is you have more for next time.
Don’t Drink or Use Drugs Before Having Sex
Making a responsible choice about sex is almost impossible if you’re high on drugs or alcohol. Your inhibitions and self control are lowered when intoxicated, which makes choosing responsible choices extremely difficult. Make a plan ahead of time and let your friends know, so they can support you. As challenging as it is, stay focused.
Please Yourself
Sex may be on your mind all the time. Don’t let being consumed with sex cause you to make a poor decision, such as having unsafe sex. Avoid the temptation by pleasing yourself. Masturbation is normal and the safest sex around!
by Aaron Marino
