A sexually transmitted disease (STD) is a disease caused by a pathogen (e.g., virus, bacterium, parasite, fungus) that is spread from person to person primarily through sexual contact. STDs can be painful, irritating, debilitating, and life threatening. More than twenty sexually transmitted diseases have been identified.
Sexuality is one of our most basic and beautiful characteristics as human beings. We are all driven toward each other because of it. Unfortunately Over the year’s intercourse has become increasingly dangerous. With STDs and viruses spreading like wildfire across the world we must all take steps to protect ourselves? The estimated total number of people living in the US with STD is over 65 million.
There are literally millions of new STD cases each year creating an extremely dangerous environment for all of us. Most at risk of contracting a STD or STI are people from ages 16 to 26 Young people tend to be more promiscuous and by having more partners increase there risk in contracting a std or virus. There has also been a steady STD increase in college students because of drug and alcohol use.
Anyone who is sexually active can get a STD. Men and women of all ages, regions, ethnic backgrounds, and economic levels can get them. However, STDs are most common among teens and young adults, with about two-thirds of all STDs occurring in people under age 25. This is because young people are more likely to be more sexually active and take more risks, and the cervix of a teenager is more likely to get infected by Chlamydia and gonorrhea.
STDs can cause a wide range of problems for people who catch them, from a mild irritation to serious illness. Some, like gonorrhea and Chlamydia, are a major cause of infertility, especially in women. AIDS, which is caused by HIV, a sexually transmissible virus, is at present an incurable and generally fatal disease.
There are lots of chances to get the risk of STDs.
Gender differences: Being female, if you douche frequently. The vagina is a large mucous membrane area that may get small tears during intercourse. Women have higher rates for getting infected with Chlamydia, HIV, and herpes.
IV drug use: using intravenous (IV) street drugs or having sex with someone who uses IV drugs. IV drug users have higher rates of HIV and viral hepatitis.
Multiple partners: having sex with more than one person. Also, starting to have sex at an early age.
Not vaccinated: A vaccine is a medicine that helps your immune system to fight a disease. You may be at risk for certain STDs if you are not vaccinated against them:
Hepatitis A: Men who have sex with men and street drug users (both IV and non-IV drugs).
Hepatitis B: Recommended for all sexually active people, as this is a common STD.
HPV: Young women should consider being vaccinated against the human papilloma virus (HPV). HPV causes genial warts and may lead to cervical and other cancers.
Unsafe sex. Not practicing safe sex, such as not using a condom. Ask your caregiver for more information about safe sex.
Weakened immune system: Having a weak immune system increases your chances of having an infection caused by a fungus, such as Candida (yeast infection). The immune system is part of the body that fights infections.
Many people with HIV do not have symptoms for several years after becoming infected. Some people may develop mild, temporary flu-like symptoms or swollen glands right after becoming infected. When someone has been infected with HIV for some time, they can exhibit symptoms of AIDS which are usually more serious. However, the only way to know for sure if you are infected is to get tested.
Pregnant women with STDs may have spontaneous abortions or may pass on their STD to their baby. STDs can also cause low birth weight and premature babies. Babies with infected mothers can have problems like pneumonia, eye infections, and permanent brain damage.
You can prevent STDs from yourself and others; the best way to avoid getting an STD is to not have sex with other people. Do not douche caregivers tell you to? A douche is when you clean inside of the vagina with a spray of water or solution. Douching upsets the healthy germs that live in the vagina. Douching does not prevent or clear up vaginal infections. Do not have sex with someone who has an STD. This includes having oral or anal sex. If you are in treatment do not have sex with your partner or partners.
If you are sexually active, just one sexual partner who has sex only with you will decrease your risk. You should get tested for STDs on a regular basis. This is very important if you have more than one sexual partner. You may have an STD and do not know it. If you are pregnant, you will be screened for STDs to prevent passing them for your unborn baby. Use latex condoms every time you have sex and always wear a condom correctly. Use a new condom with each new sexual act. Both male and female condoms are available. Use a polyurethane condom if you are allergic to latex. Ask your caregiver for more information about using condoms.
Treatment for your STD depends upon the type of infection you have. Antibiotic, antifungal, or antiviral medicine may be given to fight the infection. Tell your sex partner about your infection he may also need treatment. If your partner is not treated you may get the infection back. Do not have sex. Until your care giver says it ok to have sex. Tell your caregiver if you are pregnant.
The bacterial infections, such as chancroid, chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, can be treated, but will require different types of medication; that is, no single drug is effective against all bacteria. Furthermore, some bacteria are now showing resistance to standard treatments throughout the world. For viral infections - such as hepatitis B, genital herpes, genital warts and HIV - treatment, when available, may not cure in all cases.
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