 STDs...SITs...Sexually
Transmitted Disease & Infections
By Janet Rowe of Health & Natural LifestylesI was recently
listening to the news on the radio to which they commented on how sexually
transmitted diseases (STDs or STIs) are on the rise again - particularly
syphilis - so that is what prompted this article. How many of us are at
risk? How many of us could even have one of these STDs and not even know it;
after all the symptoms could be identical to another disorder. Do we really
know how these STDs are caught, even if it isn’t from a toilet seat!? Many
of us may think that just because we are monogamous that so is our spouse -
not!! The amount of extramarital affairs is staggering and not just by men,
women as well. And though I am not judging a person one way or the other,
are we truly aware of how fast these diseases spread, and how we can get
them. Every year, STDs affect more than 13 million people. Obviously the
education and practice of safe sex has eluded many.
What are Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)? STDs are diseases that you
get by having intimate sexual contact (vaginal, oral, masturbatory or anal
intercourse) with someone who already has the disease. Even hand contact,
such as vaginal stimulation by a man with an infected woman with syphilis
can spread from his hand to his penis, without penetration. Some of these
STDs can also exist in the mouth, so kissing can spread bacteria and
consequently an STD. Although this is rare, it has happened. But not so rare
is the transference of herpes, warts and crabs from hair and mouth.
Researchers have identified more than 20 different kinds of STDs, which can
fall into two main groups:
1) STDs caused by bacteria - these diseases can be treated and often cured
with antibiotics. Some bacterial STDs include: Chlamydia, gonorrhea,
trichomoniasis, and syphilis.
2) STDs caused by viruses - these diseases can be controlled, but not
believed to be cured. Some viral STDs include: HIV/AIDS, genital herpes,
genital warts, human papilloma virus (HPV), hepatitis B virus and
cytomegalovirus.
What are the Symptoms of STDs? The symptoms vary among the different types
of STDs, and are listed on the STD gov’t website. Some examples of common
symptoms include:
a) a new or different discharge from the vagina/penis;
b) a burning feeling when urinating, pain in the lower abdomen, sometimes
with fever and chills;
c) pain during or after sex; vaginal bleeding between periods or after
intercourse;
d) sores, warts, itching or redness in the genital area and/or anal itching,
soreness, or bleeding;
e) vaginal odour or yeast infection that doesn’t go away;
f) a rash may appear between fingers, on wrists, abdomen, ankles, on the
bend of your elbows, or around your genitals;
g) light brown insects the size of a pinhead (crabs or lice) or oval,
whitish eggs may be seen on the hair.
Viral symptoms can be similar to the symptoms listed but may also contain
sores inside or near the vagina/penis, near the anus, or on the thighs and
buttocks. There may also be tender lumps in the groin, fever and headache,
or flu-like symptoms.
HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus, which is the virus that causes
AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome). The virus is spread through body
fluids such as blood, semen, pre-semen, vaginal fluids and breast milk. The
HIV virus can also be found in saliva, sweat and tears, but only in very low
amounts. These body fluids are not known to spread HIV infection. To become
infected with HIV, the virus must have a way into your blood. This can occur
during unprotected sex (vaginal, anal and oral) or when needles or other
injecting (skin-piercing) equipment are shared. Sharing sex toys can also
spread the virus from one partner to another.
There are various ways of testing for the different diseases and some of
them have varying stages or varieties so they can’t test you for all of them
with just one simple test. The more common STDs and STIs can be checked out
at the local lab with the request form from your doctor, or you can get
tested at the free walk-in clinic supported by the Government, check out the
website at Calgary Health Region, for locations, hours and what to expect
for the exam.
How Can STDs be Prevented? The only way to ensure that you won’t get
infected is to not have sex. This means avoiding all types of intimate
sexual contact, and that is just unreasonable! Sex is healthy for release of
endorphins, stress and hormones. People who are not satisfied sexually will
usually wander, so cutting someone off is not the answer either. If you are
sexually active, you can reduce your risk of getting STDs by practising
“safe sex”. This means:
a) Using a condom for vaginal, oral and anal intercourse always!
b) Knowing your partner and his/her STD status, boundaries and health.
c) Have regular medical check-ups, especially if you have more than one
sexual partner.
d) Wash with soap and water, dry yourself, examine your lower parts, pay
attention to your body.
e) Remembering not to share items that could result in the exchange of
blood, semen or vaginal fluids. This includes injection, piercing and
tattooing equipment, sex toys, toothbrushes and razors.
f) Use common sense and obviously abstain when there is “outbreaks” or
rashes.
Not all of the sexual diseases have the same symptoms, and you may not have
symptoms show up for six months or not at all, as in Syphilis or Chlamydia
for some men. Besides discomfort, untreated STDs or STIs can cause other
problems such as limitation in immune system, problems getting and staying
pregnant, pelvic inflammatory disease, rashes, sores, pain and mental,
emotional, heart, lung or brain problems.
Janet Rowe, owner of Health & Natural Lifestyles Inc., offers a
variety of therapies, therapeutic supplements & Blood Analysis. Call
403.212.6077 --
www.healthy-option.com |
