Learning More About Sexually Transmitted Diseases

With the rise of multiple sexual partners, the rise of sexually transmitted diseases has only increased in recent years. It is vital that someone who may have been recently infected with an STD visit the doctor and start treatment as soon as possible. Without the treatment a doctor can provide, the disease could grow worse and eventually pose a serious or even life threatening health risk. Regardless of embarrassment, it is necessary and vital step.

Listed below are some of the most common and debilitating diseases you can receive through sexual activity, along with information on what you can do to treat them.

1.AIDS and HIV

HIV or human immunodeficiency virus is an extremely dangerous virus that passes through the bloodstream. Sexual contact with an infected person will very often result in the contraction of the virus, as will the use of an infected needle or syringe. While HIV is the sexually transmitted disease, AIDs is the dangerous counterpart. Those who contract HIV often become more ill and contract AIDs or acquired immune deficiency syndrome.

AIDs causes a weakened immune system, making the body much more perceptible to infection and bacteria. AIDs deaths most often result from a simple infection or illness that the body can no longer fight off. At this time, there is no cure for AIDs, but early detection of HIV can lead to treatment and containment of the disease. Tell your partners, past and present, right away if you are HIV positive. It is extremely important.

2. Chlamydia

Chlaymydia is caused by a bacteria known as Chlamydia Trachomati which infects the body and affects the various mucous membranes, as well as the eyelids and the reproductive organs. Often times Chlamydia is confused with Gonorrhea because of the effect it has on the eyelids. Many times Chlamydia can pass without any initial symptoms. However, when it does strike, it can lead to pain during sex, burning in the reproductive organs and abnormal discharge. Luckily, Chlamydia is curable. However, it is a highly uncomfortable and possibly dangerous disease if left unchecked.

3. Gonorrhea

Gonorrhea is an STD that infects the very sensitive tissues that make up the human reproductive system. Any kind of sexual contact, including oral sex can pass gonorrhea between partners. Often times Gonorrhea has no symptoms when it is initially contracted, making it very hard to prevent or safeguard against. When it does infect the body though, Gonorrhea causes a wide range of uncomfortable symptoms, including swelling, fever, burning, pain during sex, unusual discharge, and even bleeding. Anyone with an active sex life should get a checkup on a regular basis to be sure they do not carry the disease. It can be cured with regular treatment.

There are many more STDs that strike the population every year and cause great deals of discomfort and illness, including Hepatitis, Herpes, Syphilis, HPV and many more. If you are sexually active consult your doctor regularly and learn as much as you can about the effects these diseases may have on your body.

To learn more about how STDs can affect you and your partner's lives visit STDTalk.org