For a long time, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) hid in the shadows. People ignored them as they were stigmatized. Thankfully that stigma has slowly lifted and people have realized that sexually transmitted diseases are not something to be hidden, but something to be protected from any treated from.
Since sexual activity certainly isn’t going away, the real needs now are to protect people from contracting these diseases and making sure that they are well educated on what potential STDs can do them.
Common STDs
There are a wide variety of STDs ranging from the slightly annoying to the potentially fatal.
Herpes
Genital Herpes is an incredibly common STD. Herpes is spread throughout sexual intercourse and will often lay dormant and hidden. There are many people who do not know they have the herpes virus while they carry it.
The most common sign of a herpes outbreak is cold sores and sores around the genitals. People who have herpes are contagious all of the time, not just during their potential flair ups.
Chlamydia
Chlamydia is one of the sneakiest of the sexually transmitted diseases out there. It’s incredibly common and oftentimes it can be contracted without any symptoms rearing their ugly head at first. Oftentimes it will show absolutely no symptoms. This doesn’t really seem far.
However there are symptoms for some people. Women may experience extra bleeding between their periods and their periods will be extremely painful. This pain can carry over to urination as well as during intercourse as well. For men, the symptoms are a bit different. Generally it’s potential pain during urination. There can also be burning and swelling near the opening of the penis as well as around the testicles.
Gonorrhea
Many people have gotten “the clap” before. This name seems to often be more palatable than its true name gonorrhea. While gonorrhea is spread through sexual intercourse, it’s not just standard intercourse. Any form is enough to spread gonorrhea. Even oral intercourse is enough to spread the disease.
It’s very difficult to avoid getting gonorrhea sometimes. The best way is to ensure you are having safe sex during monogamous relationships with others who have been tested for it and found it to be negative. Other than that, condoms and other safe sex methodology are the best way to go.
Syphilis
Syphilis is an STD that can actually also be transmitted through long periods of kissing as well as through the primary transmission method of sexual intercourse. While rare, it can happen. Syphilis has been on the downswing since the 1940s. However it’s been making a bit of a comeback and cases have been on the rise steadily since 2005. This increases is troubling as it seemed to be wiped out.
People with syphilis develop sores on their bodies. They can be mundane or quite painful. Rashes also occur and patches can occur in the mouth as well. Some people who suffer from syphilis end up with warts on their groin as well.
One of the most important things is to allow people with syphilis to get treatment. Those who don’t receive treatment for syphilis can suffer some pretty serious issues. Anyone who has it without treatment could potentially suffer serious damage to their heart, brain or nervous system. It can also cause people to go blind. Syphilis is no joke.