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Sexually
Transmitted Diseases (STDs)
Sexually Transmitted
Diseases (STDs)
While it is normal and healthy for people to enjoy active sex lives, it
is important to realize that there are more than 30 sexually transmitted
diseases that have the potential to turn sexual contact into an
unpleasant, and in some cases deadly, activity.
Many people, when they
think of STDs, think of AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome), a
presently incurable disease, first identified in 1981. Currently there
is no medical treatment to prevent the spread of the AIDS virus. There
are effective treatments for reducing the severity of some AIDS symptoms
and for preventing or treating the opportunistic infections which occur
when the body's normal immune system is compromised as a result of the
AIDS virus.
Some of the other STDs
that effect millions of people around the world each year include
chancroid, chlamydia, genital pediculosis, gonorrhea, hepatitis B,
herpes, syphilis, trichomoniasis, and venereal warts. Although
contracting one of these diseases is not as life threatening as
contracting AIDS, the impact they can have on your lifestyle,
relationships, and psychological well-being is enormous.
All STDs are contracted
by having sexual contact with someone, who in many cases may be unaware
that they are carrying a sexually transmittable disease. Practicing safe
sex is the single most important step anyone can take to prevent
contracting or spreading STDs. However, there are no 'safe sex' methods
that are 100 percent effective. The only 100 percent 'safe sex' method
is sexual abstinence! 'Safer sex' methods can, however, prevent or lower
the risk of contracting an STD infection, including AIDS. These methods
include masturbation of yourself or your partner without exchanging
semen or vaginal fluids. Touching and kissing of nipples, back, feet,
hands, legs, face and ears can be a safe and enjoyable intimate
experience. Any vaginal or rectal intercourse should occur only with the
use of a latex condom. Safer oral sex should include the use of a
condom, or dental dam. Fingering of the penis, vagina, or anus is safest
from risk of STDs when using a condom, dam, or finger cot.
With the exception of
AIDS and Hepatitis B, STDs can usually be treated easily if diagnosed
early. Therefore, it is imperative that anyone who thinks they may have
been exposed to someone with an STD contact a health professional
immediately for diagnosis and treatment. Women could see their
gynecologist and men their urologist or their primary care physician or
nurse practitioner. Dermatologists are also adept at identifying and
treating STDs, since many of the symptoms include skin lesions, rashes,
and warts. Women and men also have the option of going to the local
Planned Parenthood clinic for confidential treatment of STDs. The
Planned Parenthood clinic in your area (USA) can be found by calling
(800) 230-7526. In addition, the National STD Hotline at (800) 227-8922,
provides information about free or low-cost clinics near you, and
answers questions about treatment, transmission, and prevention of STDs.
Internet information on STDs is available through The Johns Hopkins
University School of Medicine
STD Research Group (http://www.clark.net/pub/jhustd/),
The STD Homepage
Please note: These
sites are not intended to replace information you may receive from your
doctor. If you think you may have a sexually transmitted disease or are
at risk for acquiring one, you are urged to seek competent medical
advice and care as soon as possible.
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Sex
