STD's

Author: nitengale © of Clitical.Com

 

A sexually transmitted disease (STD) is a disease that is usually passed from one person to another through sexual activity. Sexual activity is defined as oral, anal, and vaginal sex. Bacteria, viruses and parasites cause STDs. In order for the disease to spread, at least one of the sexual partners has to be infected. Having sex with an infected person will not always result in transmitting a disease; but the more often you have sex with an infected person, the more likely you are to become infected. It is important to know that there are some STD's that can be passed from person to person without sexual contact. I.e. Herpes and human papillomavirus. It is also possible for a pregnant mother to pass the disease to her unborn infant, as well as a nursing mom to pass the disease from herself to her newborn.

Some STDs are treatable, but others are not. Most bacterial and parasitic infections can be effectively treated with medication. Most viral infections are life-long, and while symptoms are treatable in some cases, the infections do not go away.

Some STD's are more common then others, however there are some states that are NOT required to report STD's, so the numbers can be skewed.

The scary thing about STD's is that not all of them have symptoms, so you can contract the disease and not know it, and be passing it on to others. Some of the diseases do have their well-known symptoms. These include rashes, sores, discharges that can be painful, as well as painful urination. If you have been with someone you even suspect has an STD, you should be checked by your MD and tested. There are many clinics set that do provide private screenings.

Unfortunately, because many go undetected, there is no way to tell if your partner has it, and they may not even know they have the disease as well. HOWEVER, here is where you have to take a proactive stand and openly discuss each other's past sexual practices. Have you been at risk with unsafe practices or risky behavior? The more you know, the better your chances of protecting yourself.

One of the most talked about uses of prevention is the condom. How safe is this? The Center for Disease Control does advocate this form of protection, however, it has to be used "correctly and consistently, from start to finish with every act of sex, offer the best protection against sexually transmitted disease for people who are sexually active." It is important to apply the condom correctly and be consistent with its use. Problems arise when a partner may insist upon NOT wearing one. It might be time to rethink this relationship. Also important to remember is that a condom would not protect you from Herpes if the lesion comes in contact with your skin in an area that is NOT covered by the condom. Female condoms also exist on the market today.

Life would be a lot easier if we only knew who might possibly be infected, however that is not reality. As sexual human beings, we have to take responsibility for our OWN actions. The following are some things to keep in mind that may just save your life.

* Do you have sex before knowing if your partner has any STDs?

* Do you stop using condoms after you get more comfortable with your partners, but before they have been tested for STDs?

  • Would you engage in risky sexual behavior to avoid losing your partner?
  • How would you react if you discovered your partner had lied about being monogamous?
  • Would you skip using condoms or dental dams if your partner asked?
  • Does alcohol or drug use affect your sexual decisions?
  • Do you have blackouts from drug or alcohol use?
  • Is high-risk sexual behavior a turn-on for you?
  • Do you see yourself as a person worth protecting from infection?
  • Do you see yourself as primarily responsible for your sexual health?
  • Would you recognize symptoms of an STD if you had them?
  • Are you and your partner equals in your relationship? Is the decision-making shared?
  • Does your partner have other sexual partners?
  • What do you know about your partner's past partners and relationships?
  • Has your partner been tested for STDs?
  • Does your partner presently have untreated STDs?
  • Does your partner have a history of needle use?
  • Is your partner's behavior affected by drug or alcohol use?
  • What is your partner's drug history?
  • Do you feel that your partner values you?
  • Would you recognize symptoms of an STD if your partner had symptoms?

The bottom line here is to value yourself! Be proactive in your sexual health. NO ONE is worth dying over. It is really that simple. Sources for more information are abundant on the Internet. If you have questions, and real concerns, seek medical assistance.

 

 

 

 

 

     
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