Save Yourself from STDs

You’ve probably heard of them and are lucky if you haven’t got them. Believe it or not, sexually transmitted diseases are affecting more and more teenagers today. This is because today sexual activity starts at a much younger age. There is nothing wrong in this as long as you take the necessary precautions and avoid the pitfalls later on.
Five common STDs

Here are the five most commonly spread sexually transmitted diseases that you should be careful about:

1. Chlamydia

This is a bacterium that affects both men and women. This bacteria grows around the urethra and sometimes even in the eyes. Common symptoms include:

* Painful or frequent urination
* Burning, redness, soreness or itching in the vaginal area
* Unusual discharge
* Pain during sex
* Bleeding
* Burning and itching around the opening of the penis in men
* Pain and swelling in the testicles in men

This bacteria is easy to get rid of as it can be treated by antibiotics however it should not be ignored because if left alone it can even damage the reproductive system and cause infertility.

2. Genital herpes

This is a virus infection that causes sores in the genital areas. You cannot do much to avoid catching it except for practicing cleanliness and maintaining proper hygiene so that even if your partner is carrying this virus you do not get it. Herpes spreads very fast since there are no distinguishable symptoms and at times you may not even know that you have caught this virus. You may only feel a slight itching.

A first attack of the herpes virus can be so mild that it goes unnoticed. However, common symptoms can cause the skin to become inflamed and blisters or bumps may appear. The area is often painful and may itch, burn, or tingle. Flu-like symptoms may also occur. These include swollen glands, headache, muscle aches, or fever. Herpes has no cure and the only treatment is to keep the infected area clean and dry, take proper rest and eat healthy food.
3. Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is an infection that is spread through sexual contact as well by shared needles and through blood contact. It is a very dangerous virus because it is very contagious and has no cure except a vaccination. Its common symptoms are

* Jaundice
* Stomach problem, nausea, tiredness, dark urine However, many people may not show the symptoms and still be a carrier of this virus. In extreme cases, it leads to the destroying of the liver and can even cause cancer.
* Gonorrhea

This is a bacterial infection that can be transmitted only sexually. It is a highly contagious disease and spreads in the reproductive system very fast. Its most common symptoms are

* A yellowish vaginal discharge
* Painful and frequent urination with a burning sensation
* Burning or itching in the pubic area, even a redness or swelling may appear
* Blood in the urine
* Pain during sex

This is a disease that can be easily treated with antibiotics. However, if left untreated it can spread to the whole reproductive system and then cause serious complications.

5. HPV

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most common STDs. It usually leads to genital warts and in many cases warts on the hands and feet. These can normally be treated with ointments while in extreme cases surgery may be required.
Prevention is better than cure

* Practice safe sex.
* Always use condoms.
* Limit yourself to one partner.
* Never take alcohol or any other intoxicants before sex, and
* Get a check up done annually.

If you are one of those who never thought about STDs or didn’t know what they were, you would be better informed now. Use this information and make your sex life a happy and healthy one and keep STDs at more than an arm’s length.