Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Sexually transmitted diseases, or STDs, are infections that are
passed through sexual contact and primarily affect the sexual
organs or genital areas, although they can also impact other parts
of the body. Teens and young adults are most likely to have sexually
transmitted diseases, but many who are infected are not aware
of it, which means the infections continue to be spread to others.
There are effective treatments or even cures for most of them,
but the best option is proactive prevention.
Types of Sexually Transmitted Diseases
There are many types of STDs. They range from the mild types
like crabs, to the more severe like chlamydia or gonorrhea, and
even include deadly diseases such as AIDS. Some sexually transmitted
diseases can cause other conditions such as pelvic inflammatory
disease or cervical cancer.
Preventing STDs
Abstinence is the only fail-proof way to prevent being infected
with sexually transmitted diseases, but if you choose to be sexually
active there are other steps you can take to protect yourself.
The most important is to always use a condom for any type of sexual
activity, and to use it from the start to finish and not only
for vaginal intercourse. Another good idea is to limit the number
of people that you have sex with and to be careful not to be intimate
with someone who has had many previous partners.
Testing for STDs
Most STDs have symptoms that can easily be mistaken for other
illnesses. Some people who have been infected with a sexually
transmitted disease may also have no immediate symptoms at all.
Because of this, the only way to know if you have an STD is to
be tested. Many tests can be done using only a urine sample, although
your doctor may need to take a blood sample or skin swab for other
types of tests.
Treatment for Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Treatments vary depending on the types of sexually transmitted
diseases. Some diseases can be treated with oral medications or
a cream that must be applied. Others treatments depend on a series
of shots and some even require surgery. If you have a prescription
to treat a sexually transmitted disease, make sure to take all
of it. Additionally, you should not have sex with anyone until
your doctor has cleared you to do so, in order to prevent exposing
anyone else.
