Introduction – Sexual Diseases

SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES
There are more than 20 venereal diseases that may be transmitted through sexual contact. We have a worldwide sexually transmitted disease epidemic. More than 13 million Americans get a sexually transmitted disease (also known as an STD) each year, with most of the cases occurring among 15 to 24-year-olds. Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are common and contagious diseases.

As the name of this group of diseases implies, these infections can be contracted by means of vaginal, anal, or oral sex. You are at high risk if:

• you have more than one sex partner.
• you don’t use protection while having sex.
• you share needles if injecting drugs.

Most sexually transmitted diseases can be cured or controlled if they are treated early. But you may not realize you have an STD until it has damaged your reproductive system, vision, heart, or other organs. Also, having an STD weakens the immune system and leaves you more vulnerable to other infections. Some people believe that they can tell if someone has an infection with one of these diseases. That is not true. Anyone can get a sexually transmitted disease. It does not only happen to people with many sexual partners.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR

• a white, yellow, green, gray, or blood-streaked discharge that may have a strong smell.
• genital and/or anal itching.
• a rash, blisters, sores, lumps, bumps, warts on or around the genitals.
• burning during urination.
• swollen lymph glands in the groin.
• pain in the groin or lower abdomen.
• vaginal bleeding.
• testicular swelling.
• flu like symptoms.
• painful intercourse.

CAUSES

Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, and Syphilis are caused by bacteria, while AIDS, genital herpes, genital warts, and hepatitis B are caused by a virus. The pathogens that cause STDs are found in bodily secretions such as semen, blood, vaginal fluids, and sometimes saliva. Most of the organisms are spread by either sexual or personal contact.
 

 
If you are in a risky group always have regular tests.