Some STDs show no signs or symptoms. So, you may have an STD and not know it! This also makes it sometimes difficult for doctors to diagnose a sexually transmitted disease by simple observation. Even if some STDs shows no signs, these can be very damaging to your body. For example, chlamydia is the most common sexually transmitted disease and often shows no signs of its presence. But, chlamydia can lead to infertility (inability to have babies). Therefore, it is important to go get tested regularly, like once or twice a year.
So, being aware of your sexual health is most important in maintaining your overall health. If you think you might have been exposed or have acquired an STD, go to a doctor or health clinic to get tested. The only sure way to know if you have an STD is by having a medical exam.
Some STDs cannot be cured or treated. Even when a STD is diagnosed, a cure is not always available. By knowing you have a STD, even if it cannot be cure, you can avoid passing it to others. For example, herpes is a disease that can be transmitted through sexual contact. To date, there is no cure for herpes. But persons carrying the herpes virus need to know they have it to inform their sexual partners. Herpes sometimes show no symptoms and you can still infect others through sexual contact. You can reduce the chances of transmitting herpes or other STDs by avoiding sexual contact or by using a latex barrier, such as a condom. Condoms provide some protection for several STDs, but avoiding sex (abstinence) is your best way to prevent disease.
STDs can affect any person regardless of race, age, gender, or background. Also, anyone who is sexually active can be at risk of getting a sexually transmitted disease. Sexual activity includes vaginal, oral and/or anal contact regardless of penetration. Some persons think that oral sex does not constitute sex, but the opposite is true. Coming into contact with body secretions, such as semen, vaginal fluids and blood, as well as, coming into direct oral, anal or genital contact are ways in which STDs are transmitted. Avoiding this contact through abstinence or using a latex barrier can decrease your chances of developing a STD.
| About • Order • Contact • Privacy • Terms of Use |