Sexual transmitted disease (STD) was also known as venereal disease (VD) for many years. Recent studies have suggested that the term sexual transmitted infection (STI) is more ideal due to its broader range of meaning. For example, an infected person can infect others without carrying a disease. STDs can be contracted by infections that are passed from one person to another through sexual contact. They are among some of the most difficulty diseases to catch due to that they have to be up close and personal to flourish them.
It is estimated that there are more than twenty five different types of STD exist in the world; HIV, gonorrhea, genital herpes, and syphilis are among the most commons of STD. Some of STDs do not have symptoms, and they can be deadly if not treated. The followings are nine things a person must know to prevent and protect themselves from contracted with STDs.
1. STDs can be contracted through sexual intercourse such as vagina, anal, and oral intercourse. They can enter the body by means of semen, vagina fluids, blood transfusion, sharing needle, and upon contact open wounds in the mouth, genital or anus.
2. STDs can be classifying into viral STDs, bacterial STDs, and parasitic STDs. There are more than twenty-five different types of STD known to mankind. The most common type of STDs are HIV, syphilis, trichomoniasis, gonorrhea, hepatitis B, genital herpes, pubic lice/crabs, human paillomavirus (HPV), and chlamydia1. (Battaglia.2008)
3. Women are easier to contract STDs than men, and it is harder to identify STDs in women.
4. Base on certain type of STD, some do not show visible symptoms. That’s mean you or your partner may not know has been infected. Chlamydia is a good example for this, and untreated chlamydia can cause PID, ectopic pregnancy and infertility (Battaglia.2008). Some STD symptoms have similar descriptions to those caused by other infections, so it is easy to mistake them for conditions like yeast infections or urinary infections.
5. There is a different between bacterial STDs and viral STDs. Bacterial STDs like chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis which are can be cure with antibiotics. Viral STDs like herpes, hepatitis B, HIV, and genital warts are not curable, but they can be suppressed from outbreak.(Battaglia.2008)
6. Using latex condoms is the best method in prevent from contracts with STD every time oral, anal, or vaginal sex with a new partner.
7. Sexual active individuals must maintain regular check up with their physician. In women, Pap smear does not test for specific disease. It only tests for changes in cervical cells. However, abnormal Pap smear test result can indicate HPV. Check with your physician for further tests. (Battaglia.2008)
8.The most reported of STD is chlamydia. There are about 2.8 million new cases of chlamydia are reported in the U.S each year according to CDC.
9. STDs can bring serious health problems or even death if they left untreated. In general, women suffer more serious health complications from STDs than men do.
STDs are on the rise and they are mostly preventable. Taking precautions can lower your chances of contracting an STD. Always use a new latex condom during sexual intercourse. Consult with a physician for treatments if one contracted with STD. Undiagnosed STDs can lead to more health complications and even death, not to mention newborn.
References
- Battaglia E. (2008,Jan21).STD Facts:10 Things you need to know how to avoid contracting a sexually transmitted disease. Lifescript health living for women.n.pag.
