Sexually transmitted diseases, or STDs, are often a neglected topic among people who are sexually active. These people may be aware of the different types of STDs, and they know the consequences of engaging in frequent casual sex. However, they often turn a blind eye just to satisfy their sexual desires.
We may not be aware of it, but many people are infected with STDs. Twenty million Americans contract some form of sexually transmitted disease every year. Most of these diagnoses were preventable if the patients took the vital precautionary methods that could protect them from STDs.
How Do Sexually Transmitted Diseases Spread?
When people are diagnosed with STDs, they often face discrimination. People around them are afraid to even touch them due to the fear of getting infected. Sadly, these people are misinformed. STDs are not spread by mere contact with someone who is already infected.
Sexually transmitted diseases spread through sexual intercourse. The infection is spread through vaginal, penal, anal, and oral contact. STDs are also transmitted in other ways aside from having sex with someone who has the disease.
- You are at risk of getting STDs when you become in contact with the person’s infected area.
- You have a high risk of getting an STD through intravenous drug usage.
- You can get STD when you share needles with an infected person.
- STD is also passed onto an unborn child when the mother has an STD during pregnancy or while she is breastfeeding.
The Worst STDs in the World
Failure to have protected sexual intercourse may lead to unwanted consequences. While you are exploring your sexuality, you might want to think about how you are going to defend yourself.
You are putting yourself at risk for the following sexually transmitted diseases if you are not cautious:
- Human Papillomavirus or HPV. HPV is also referred to as genital warts. The name may seem harmless; however, HPV can cause cancers including cervical cancer, vaginal cancer, cancer of the penis, anal cancer, and cancer of the vulva.
- HPV appears typically as a group of bumps in a person’s genital area. These bumps can be large or small, flat or raised, or may seem to look like a cauliflower. An HPV infection can last for four up to twenty months. Most HPV cases are cured. In fact, the person’s body just clears the HPV virus on its own.
- Human Immunodeficiency Virus or HIV. HIV is an infection that primarily attacks the body’s immune system. It is an incurable disease despite the fact that research on its cure is heavily funded.
- People who have HIV have fragile immune systems. They cannot fight off even the most uncomplicated illnesses. As a result, it may lead to even more severe sickness or death. Today, there are antiviral medications that help HIV positive patients live a little longer than they are expected to.
- Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome or AIDS. AIDS is the most severe form of HIV. When a patient reached this stage, the immune system is severely damaged making the body vulnerable to any type of infections and other diseases. The life expectancy for people with AIDS is around three years.
- Herpes Simplex Virus or HSV. HSV is a virus that causes herpes. It can develop in any part of the body, but it is typically seen on the genitals and the mouth. Two types of HSV exist:
- HSV-1 – This type of HSV is also called oral herpes. It causes fever blisters and cold sores on the face and around the mouth.
- HSV-2 – The second type of HSV is the reason for causing outbreaks of genital herpes.
- HSV has no cure. However, it is manageable. Daily medications are available to help manage the symptoms. This virus infects the nerves and lives in them. This type of infection is prevalent as everyone is prone to having it at some point in his or her life.
Reduce Your Risk of Getting Infected
It is never too late to exercise precautionary methods to lessen your risk of contracting the worst STDs in the world. The simple use of protection during sexual intercourse is a great way to help defend yourself from these types of infections. Vaccines are also available to help increase your protection against STDs. Should you feel the need to have yourself screened and tested for STDs, you may click here to get more information.
Candice Watts
Candice Watts, works as a volunteer for different health organizations in her area. She likes to bring the awareness of HIV and other STD related issues for people to learn when it comes to health. In her spare time she enjoys rock climbing and water sports.
