Avoiding Infections and Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Are you ready to defend yourself against illnesses and diseases that are spread through sexual activity? HIV, genital herpes, gonorrhea, and chlamydia are among the more well-known of these illnesses. However, many more are rarely discussed. Knowing these common sexually transmitted diseases might help you and your loved ones avoid health issues in the future.
Some of your difficult and perhaps awkward inquiries concerning STD signs and illnesses are addressed in this article. You will discover which types of infections can remain dormant for a long period, why herpes is sometimes seen as a sexually transmitted disease, and which sexual sickness is known as “the clap.” The best ways to treat chlamydia, HIV, herpes, and other sexually transmitted infections are also covered.
HPV, or genital warts
The health effects of a sexually transmitted disease (STD) can occur without sexual contact. Close skin-to-skin contact can spread the human papillomavirus (HPV), which causes genital warts. There are vaccines to guard against the most harmful strains of HPV, which can cause anal or cervical cancer. Genital warts caused by other HPV types can be flat, raised, or cauliflower-shaped. Even those without obvious warts or other signs can spread HPV.
HPV Vaccine
The HPV vaccine is administered in three doses. A month or two after the initial shot, the second one is administered. Six months after the first shot, the third one is administered.
Boys and girls should get vaccinated by the age of eleven or twelve, according to the Centers for Disease Control.
Women can receive the HPV vaccine up until the age of 26 if they were not vaccinated against it as youngsters. Up until age 21, men can receive it. For males who have sex with men or who have weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV, the CDC advises HPV immunization until age 26.
Symptoms of HPV
Genital warts can be elevated or flat, large or little. They can have a cauliflower-like form and typically manifest as a single bump or cluster of lumps in the genital area.
The Clap, or gonorrhea
Men and women can contract gonorrhea, which is a common sexually transmitted disease that can cause infertility if left untreated. It is also known as “the Clap,” derived from the French word for brothel (clapier), and the early treatment of gonorrhea involves clapping both hands against the penis or using a heavy object (such as a mallet) on the penis to squeeze out pus in the penis (note that these old treatments are not recommended because they can damage the penis and do not cure the disease).
Symptoms of Gonorrhea
Burning during urination
Vaginal or urethral discharge
Women’s pelvic discomfort
Testicular swelling and penile discharge are common in men.
Sometimes the illness is misdiagnosed as a yeast infection or UTI due to its mild symptoms. If these symptoms sound familiar to you, see your doctor.
Herpes Simplex 1 Virus, or oral herpes
Oral herpes is characterized by cold sores or “fever blisters” on the lips, which are indicative of a herpes virus infection. Usually caused by the human herpes virus 1, also known as oral herpes, oral herpes is not a sexually transmitted disease, but it can spread to the genitals through kissing or household contact. (Although this type of herpes can be contracted on the genitals, it is different from the disease known as genital herpes.) There is no cure for herpes infection, although medications can lessen the severity and duration of outbreaks.
Herpes of the mouth
Lips or the skin surrounding the mouth itching
Burning close to the mouth or lips
Tingling close to the mouth or lips
A sore throat
enlarged glands
Swallowing with pain
A rash may form on your gums, lips, mouth or throat
Oral herpes symptoms typically show up one to three weeks after the first infection. Usually, the recurrence of symptoms is less severe than the original herpes outbreak.