Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Sexually transmitted diseases, or STDs are infections that can spread from one person to another through sexual contact. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) there are more than 15 million cases of STDs reported each year. Group of teenagers and young adults (15-24 years) is the age group that have the highest risk for contracting STDs, 3 million new cases each year are from this group.

Almost all STDs can be treated. However, even treatable STDs such as gonorrhea has become resistant to many old-generation antibiotics. Other STDs, like herpes, AIDS, and genital warts, are all STDs caused by viruses, can not be cured. Some of these infections is very uncomfortable, while others can even be deadly. Syphilis, AIDS, genital warts, herpes, hepatitis, and even gonorrhea have all been recognized as a cause of death. Some STDs can be continued in various conditions such as Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), cervical cancer and various complications of pregnancy. Thus, education about the disease and preventive measures necessary to be done.

It is important to note that sexual contact is not only a sexual relationship through the genitals. Sexual contact includes kissing, oral-genital contact, and the use of "sex toys", such as a vibrator. Actually, there is no sexual contact that can actually referred to as "safe sex". The only truly "safe sex" is abstinensia. Having sex in the context of monogamy in a relationship where both individuals free of STIs is also considered "safe". Most people think of kissing as a safe activity. Unfortunately, syphilis, herpes and other diseases can be transmitted through activities that are seemingly harmless. All other forms of sexual contact, too risky. Condoms are generally considered to be a protection against STIs. Condoms are useful in preventing some diseases such as HIV and gonorrhea. But condoms are less effective in preventing herpes, trichomoniasis and chlamydia. Condoms provide little protection against infection with HPV, which is the cause of genital warts.

Some sexually transmitted diseases:

1. Chlamydia - Chlamydia is a very dangerous STD and usually has no symptoms; 75% of women and 25% of infected men show no symptoms at all.

2. Gonorrhea - Gonorrhea is one of the STDs that often dialporkan. 40% of patients will experience Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) if not treated, and it can cause sterility.

3. Hepatitis B - a vaccine to prevent this disease already exists, but once the disease is incurable; can cause liver cancer.

4. Genital herpes - can feel pain and intermittent; can be treated to reduce symptoms but can not be cured.

5. HIV/AIDS - was first recognized in 1984, AIDS is the sixth leading cause of death in men and young women. The virus is fatal and cause pain long enough before then died.

6. Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) & Genital warts - the most common STDs, 33% of women have this virus, which can cause cervical and penile cancer and genital pain.

7. Syphilis - if left untreated can cause brain damage and serious liver.

8. Trichomoniasis - can cause a frothy vaginal discharge or no symptoms at all. In pregnant women can cause premature birth.