Although discussing sexually transmitted diseases, often known as sexually transmitted illnesses or STDs, might be uncomfortable, it is necessary. This is especially true in light of recent trends and the high frequency of sexually transmitted illnesses both locally and nationally.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 26 million cases of sexually transmitted illnesses were reported in the United States in 2018, with nearly half of those diagnosed being between the ages of 15 and 24. (CDC). This is despite the availability of birth control, testing, and treatment for high-risk age groups, as well as extensive sex education programes taught in public schools. Teenagers and young adults are more likely to use long-acting birth control to avoid unintended pregnancy, but this can lead to a lax attitude toward condom and other barrier use, leading in increased spread of sexually transmitted illnesses. Also checkout our blog on types of protein powders.
MOST COMMON TYPES OF STDs
Chlamydia
It is caused by bacteria and is the most often reported sexually transmitted infection in the United States. It is disseminated through body fluid interaction. Most people with chlamydia have no symptoms or only have discomfort and discharge, but if left untreated, chlamydia can progress to more significant health problems.
Herpes
A virus causes this sexually transmitted infection, which can manifest as painful open sores on the genitals. When lesions are present, it is disseminated by bodily fluid exchange. Herpes type 2 (HSV-2) is the cause. Cold sores are caused by herpes type 1, or HSV-1, which is not a sexually transmitted infection.
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
This virus is spread through body fluid exchange and contact with an infected partner. HIV can progress to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome if left untreated (AIDS).
Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)
HPV is a virus that can lead to genital warts. Around the genitals and anus, these ugly sores can be discovered. HPV is easily passed from one partner to the next. There are about 100 different types of HPV, and some of them can cause cancer.
Gonorrhea
Bacteria cause gonorrhea, which is spread by bodily fluids. Chlamydia is a common cause of it.
Syphilis
This bacterial infection begins as painless open sores on the genitals, mouth, or anus, and spreads by contact with an infected partner’s open lesions.
LONG TERM HEALTH CONSEQUENCES DUE TO SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES
AIDS
HIV has the potential to evolve into AIDS as it advances. Patients would frequently die of AIDS problems in the past. Many treatments are now accessible that allow people to live a long, normal, and healthy life. These treatments necessitate regular medication, and some of them have serious negative effects. These advancements should never be construed as reassuring, because prevention is always the best option.
Cervical changes or Cancer
Cervical cancer can be caused by HPV, which is the most common cause of cervical alterations. Some young women may experience aberrant tissue growth, necessitating cancer prevention procedures such as a technique that freezes the cervix’s surface or a loop electrosurgical excision procedure, or LEEP, that removes a section of the cervix. These treatments remove aberrant tissue effectively, although they are uncomfortable. Healing can also be a difficult process. The LEEP surgery has the potential to induce pregnancy issues such as an early cervix opening.
Infertility
Undiagnosed chlamydia and gonorrhea can cause a genital infection that can spread to the uterus or fallopian tubes. Scarring from a sexually transmitted virus might make it difficult to get pregnant or result in infertility.
Lifelong Infection
When a person acquires herpes type 2 for the first time, they will be infected for the rest of their lives. There is no way to get rid of it. The goal from then on is to keep any new sores from spreading to others, or to a child if sores are present after vaginal birth.
Neurological Changes
Syphilis can lead to persistent neurologic abnormalities, such as chronic joint pain, muscular discomfort, brain alterations, confusion, illusions, and chronic headaches if left untreated. It can potentially harm the heart and other vital organs.
PREVENTION OF Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Recommendations can be controversial, and I will try to address everything to include those that are very sexually conservative to the open of sex practices:
Practice Abstinence
This means that you are not engaging in any sexual activities with other individuals. If you want a 100 percent guarantee that you won’t catch or spread a disease, you’ll have to avoid sexual intercourse. This means no genital-to-genital, oral-to-genital, or oral-to-oral sexual contact, especially if ulcers around the mouth or lips are present.
Practice Mutual Monogamy
The transmission of sexually transmitted infections is considerably reduced in a relationship when both partners are fully tested before sexual contact and remain monogamous with each other. Condom use, which is highly recommended even if the test findings are negative, further minimises the risk.
Get Vaccination
HPV vaccine is an excellent strategy to reduce the risk of infection with HPV. All 11- and 12-year-olds should have two doses of HPV vaccine at least six months apart, according to the CDC. This is the optimal age to get vaccinated against the virus before sexual activity exposes a person to it. Vaccination can be given to children as early as nine years old. For youngsters under the age of 15, research has indicated that a two-dose plan is effective. Teenagers and young adults who start the vaccine series later in life, between the ages of 15 and 26, should have three doses.
Use Contraceptives
When these sorts of barrier measures are used correctly, they can dramatically prevent the spread of sexually transmitted illnesses. When engaging in sexual activity, always plan for proper use. Most people take their phones, wallets, driver’s licences, and credit cards with them when they leave the house. Condoms, why not? Condom material degrades over time, so be sure yours isn’t past its prime. Also, be sure you’re using condoms that have been approved by the FDA to prevent sexually transmitted infections.
