The most common causes of STDs or Sexually Transmitted Diseases are vaginal, anal, and oral sex. Infections transmitted by sexual contact need not develop into diseases. The chances that the infections will become a legitimate serious disease are usually reduced when the infections are treated properly. By definition, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) refer to any bacterial, viral, or parasitic infection that is transmitted through sexual contact.
Within this broad category of STIs, there are several types that cause an infection in a slightly different way. HIV is, for example, a virus that affects the immune system, making an individual more vulnerable to other diseases. HPV (Human Papillomavirus) is also a virus responsible for causing warts in your genital area as well as cervical cancer in some cases. Similarly, Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) is a viral infection that causes painful outbreaks of sores in the genital area. Gonorrhea and Chlamydia are bacterial infections that can lead to strange colored and foul-smelling discharge, painful sex, spotting during a period, and abdominal pain. Trichomoniasis is a parasitic infection that is transmitted sexually! Most of these infections spread through the exchange od bodily fluids during sex. But HPV and Herpes can spread through skin-to-skin contact as well. Also, HIV and Hepatitis-B are sexually transmitted viruses that can readily spread if you use infected syringes to inject drugs.
There are some activities that are riskier than others, even among sexual ones. The risk of transmission is greater during vaginal and anal sex, followed by activities such as kissing, making out, and so on. However, because it’s never a good idea to take chances, regardless of the nature of the sexual activity – whether it’s making out or fondling, or sexual intercourse – it’s critical to protect oneself against STIs.
There are a number of ways to avoid STIs. The use of latex-based condoms during vaginal and anal intercourse, as well as dental dams for oral sex, is the first and most significant practice. The majority of condoms sold in pharmacies are latex-based. They act as a physical barrier between you and the fluids of an infected individual. Second, it’s critical to continue testing for STIs and to constantly inquire about your partner’s STI history and current reports before entering a physical connection. This may seem like an embarrassing topic, but it will actually help you establish a trusting relationship early on. Because most sexually transmitted illnesses remain silent in your system and exhibit no symptoms, regular testing is essential (According to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention). Finally, after the age of 21, getting vaccinated against HPV and going in for frequent pap screenings is an excellent option for prevention and early diagnosis of HPV!
