STDs for the Unitiated

Sexually transmitted disease

Image via Wikipedia

Sexually transmitted diseased (STDs) are unpleasant to say the very least. Most people have heard horror stories in their high school or college classrooms, but aren’t actually familiar with what causes STDs or how to treat them.

STDs are passed from person to person during sexual contact. This is important to note that not all diseases require sexual intercourse for passage to take place. Menginitis is one such sexually transmitted disease that can be passed solely through sexual contact, such as touching the sexual organs.

Sexually transmitted diseases that are transferred via bacteria are the heavy hitters of the STD world. These include gonhorrea, chlamydia, and syphilis.

Like most things, prevention of STDs is easier than treatment. Avoid sexual contact with anyone who has contracted an STD. Condoms, widely considered to be the final word in safety, are not effective against all STDs. Condoms improve safety, but do not guard against many types of sexually transmitted diseases, only those that can be passed through sexual intercourse. Regular tests should be conducted to determine a person’s status.

However, if an STD is contracted, there are some ways of treating them. While some, like HIV, are incurable, others such as Hepatitis A, B, and herpes, can be treated with vaccines.

Sexually transmitted diseases can be avoided in today’s world, and every precaution should be taken do so. Prevention is a much easier and less-taxing road to take then treatment. If you have any questions or concerns about STDs, consult a medical professional.