Sexually transmitted diseases is on the increase in the last couple of years and causes a shudder at the very mention of it. Sex is a natural tendency and a biological need and hence need not have to be shunned. But however indulging in safe sex is what is emphasized to keep sexual diseases at bay. So get yourself to know some common sexually transmitted diseases.
1. Human Papilloma Virus
A very common disease among the general public, HPV is a viral disease with about 80% of the population being infected by it. There are about a hundred different types of HPV and about almost thirty of them are transmitted through sexual contact through vaginal, oral and anal sex.
Symptoms
The disease is common with women when compared to men. The prevalence of genital warts that looks like cauliflower florets that appears in and around the vagina, vulva and the cervix in women denotes the disease. In men they appear in scrotum or the penis. They also appear occasionally in the thighs, buttocks and the throat in both the sexes. HPV in women can lead to cervical cancer. They are usually flesh coloured, moist and soft.
Prevention
Abstinence from sex or indulging in monogamous sex is the only way to keep the disease at bay, as there is no treatment or cure for the disease. It is necessary to keep away from sex if the partner is infected. The usage of condoms is advised but however they cannot to be effective if there is direct contact with the warts. The only temporary treatment available is through medication or burning off the warts. There is no permanent cure.
2. Genital Herpes
This is also a viral disease. There are two types of herpes virus. The Herpes Simplex Virus I and II. The first one causes cold sores around the mouth and the second is the one that appear on the genitals. However the former is also told to affect the genitals. The disease is transmitted through vaginal, oral, anal sex or skin-to-skin contact.
Symptoms
The symptoms are appearance of blisters and sores or painful lesions around the vagina, penis, anus, thighs or buttocks. Vaginal discharge is also another symptom in women. Since the disease is a periodic occurrence the frequency of the outbreak or the discomfort can be treated through medication as there is no permanent cure or treatment.
Prevention
Abstaining from sex or indulging in a mutual monogamous sex is the safest way to keep away from the disease. The usage of condom when one is not affected by the outbreak will reduce the risk of getting infected. But condoms cannot help when contacted directly with the sore. Pregnant mothers infected with the disease are advised to opt for a c-section delivery as the infection can be carried to the child through normal vaginal delivery.
3. Hepatitis B
It is a very serious viral infection that affects the liver like Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B. But however the Hepatitis B is more dangerous that it can be fatal. It causes a severe damage in the liver. It is transmitted through person to person exchange of bodily fluids, unprotected vaginal, anal and oral sex, Usage of contaminated needles in the laboratory and usage of contaminated needles used for piercing or tattooing, usage of contaminated dental or medical instruments, receiving contaminated blood or blood products and receiving diseased tissues or organs. It is said that males who have sexual contact with other males are also prone to this disease. Chronic Hepatitis that results in 10% of the infected can prove to be fatal.
Symptoms
Many who are affected by Hepatitis B are hardly aware of the fact that they are infected. Yellowing of the skin and the white of the eye, vomiting, abdominal pain, chills, loss of appetite, nausea, passing of dark tea coloured urine and clay coloured bowl movements are the common symptoms. There is no specific treatment for the disease but however there is a vaccination that helps effectively to keep the disease at bay.
Prevention
It is mandatory to get vaccinated with the Hepatitis B medicine including children and infants. It is very important to abstain from sex with infected partners and indulging in sex where transference of bodily fluids is likely. Minimization of sex partners and avoidance of sharing razors and toothbrushes and other personal items is very important.
Condoms cannot be a very effective prevention measure but however they help to reduce the risk. Pregnant mothers should seek the guidance of the doctor to get vaccinated, as the infection cannot be barred through c-section as it is transmitted through the umbilical cord.
4. HIV/ AIDS
The Human Immunodeficiency Virus is the most known sexually transmitted disease. It is a well-known fact that it is transmitted through unprotected vaginal or oral sex. It is further transmitted through breast milk, sharing drug needles with a victim, blood transfusions and usage of sex toys that are not cleansed properly.
Symptoms
Fever, headaches, swollen lymph nodes, muscle ache, fatigue etc are the earlier symptoms for the disease. However the victimized fail to be aware of the symptoms that can be dormant for many years and later develop into a fatal disease called AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome). There is no complete cure or treatment. But however antiviral drugs help in curbing the growth of the disease and its progression in resulting in AIDS.
Prevention
Total abstaining to sex is the only way to keep the disease away. However indulgence in a long-term monogamous sex is safe. However sexually active people can opt for condoms each time they indulge in sex. Sharing of needles should be strictly avoided.
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Sexually Transmitted Diseases - Part III
Sexually Transmitted Diseases - Part II
Tags: priya devi r, viral disease sexually transmitted diseases, cervical cancer, condom, hepatitis b, abdominal pain, nausea, hiv, aids, adult toys.
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