Discover More About Stds, Stis and Your Sexual Health
The minute you become sexually active, you should start learning about the importance of having safe sex, as well as the risks that can be posed by STDs & sexually transmitted infections.
Sexually transmitted diseases and sexually transmitted infections are diseases or infections that are passed on via sexual contact, including vaginal intercourse and anal sex. Some sexually transmitted diseases and sexually transmitted infections can also be transmitted via dirty needles if an infected person has used them. In addition to this, STDs and STIs can also be passed on to a sufferer’s children via childbirth or breastfeeding.
The only way to be 100 per cent safe from STDs & sexually transmitted infections is by failing to engage in sexual activity completely. Despite this, if you are sexually active, you can protect your sexual health by having regular STI and STD tests. It goes without saying that condoms are also absolutely essential. These contraceptives will safeguard you from unwanted pregnancy, as well as protect you from a wide range of STDs & sexually transmitted infections.
You can find out more about the vast variety of sexually transmitted diseases and sexually transmitted infections below, as we have listed lots of useful information about some of the most common.
STDs and STIs
Syphilis is a very serious STI, which is caused by bacteria that's called treponema pallidum. Syphilis is usually passed on during sexual contact. However, it can also be transmitted by direct skin contact with someone that has a syphilis rash or syphilis sores or through infected blood transfusions. The symptoms of syphilis are the same in men & women, but they can often be difficult to recognise. Without the right treatment, the syphilis virus can cause severe long-term damage & cause death.
Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted infection that many sufferers may not even know they have. However, even if they don't have symptoms, they are still able to pass on the infection to others. An outbreak of genital herpes can range from a mild soreness to sore blisters on the genitals in both male and female sufferers. The first episode of symptoms can last two to three weeks and further episodes of symptoms can also occur on occasion. There's no cure for herpes, but there are a number of treatments available that can relieve symptoms.
For more help & advice on sexually transmitted diseases & sexually transmitted infections, go and see your nearest sexual health centre. They'll be able to test you, and also offer treatment. Alternatively, you can also try visiting your doctor for more help. Don't be embarrassed about visiting your doctor with a sexual health issue - they frequently see sensitive problems.
