Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Safe Sex and STD Prevention

Safe sex practices are crucial in preventing the spread of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

More than 12 million adults nationwide suffer some form of STD. Some of these diseases can lead to future problems with fertility and even death.

Many sexually transmitted diseases can unknowingly be passed on to a sex partner because the carrier suffers no symptoms. That is why condom use during any sexual encounter … during intercourse vaginally or anal and oral sex ... is key to staying healthy and disease free. Abstaining from sexual activity, careful screening a sex partner to ensure they are disease free or using of a condom during sexual activities is the only way to prevent contracting STDS.

Sexually active men should also have routine medical checkups and ask their medical professional to test them for STDs.

When a sexually transmitted disease is diagnosed and treated early, the chances of recovery increases as does the chance diminishing long-term effects.

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HIV/AIDS

Perhaps most widely discussed sexually transmitted disease is the spread of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and the resulting acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).

The HIV is primarily contracted during unsafe sex. It can also be spread through other means of body fluid exchange such as blood transfusions and sharing unclean hypodermic needles.

AIDS sufferers are vulnerable to illness and death because the virus destroys the body's immune system and its ability to fight off infection. There is no cure for AIDS but there is treatment for symptoms of the disease and medications available that stymie the onset of the condition. Only a medical professional can help an HIV-infected individual fight the disease. If you suspect you may have been exposed to the HIV ... even if you exhibit no symptoms ... MyHealthyPenis.com recommends that you see a medical professional as soon as possible.

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Genital Herpes

Genital herpes is among the most rampant STDs affecting more than 50 million in the United States alone. (There are also oral herpes signified by mouth sores.) Herpes is an incurable viral infection caused by two viruses ... herpes simplex virus type 1 and herpes simplex virus type 2. Some people infected with the viruses exhibit no symptoms, while others suffer from open sores, blisters, swollen lymph glands in the groin, or pain and itching in the infected area. Some of those infected also experience flu-like symptoms including fever, chills and headaches.

Although there is treatment for the sores, blisters and other symptoms, there is no cure for the virus. The herpes simplex virus may lie dormant for periods of time, but once a person is infected he is infected for life. Herpes is spread through the exchange of body fluids, including kissing and intercourse. The virus is most easily spread when the blisters or sores are seeping.

A herpes suffered must be careful not to touch the sores so that the virus is not spread to other parts of the body. Should a women infected with genital herpes give birth, she may pass the virus onto the newborn.

The resulting infection can have harsh consequences on an infant including mental retardation. A simple blood test can determine if you have been exposed to the herpes virus. If you suspect you may have been exposed to herpes ... even if you exhibit no symptoms ... MyHealthyPenis.com recommends that you see a medical professional as soon as possible.

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Gonorrhea and Syphilis

Penicillin has done wonders to reduce the long-term effects of gonorrhea and syphilis, but it is important that the conditions early. Common symptoms of gonorrhea include painful urination and a discharge from the penis. The first sign of syphilis is often an open sore on the penis, near the mouth, hands or anus. If left untreated, syphilis can cause major damage to the cardiovascular and nervous systems.

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Genital Warts

Genital warts are also the result of a virus. The human papillomavirus is much like the virus that prompts warts in other parts of the body. The warts begin as tiny bumps in the genital and/or anus areas. Men usually see the bumps on the head, shaft or foreskin of the penis. They may also become apparent in the urethra and scrotum.

Sometimes there are individual warts; other times the warts may appear in groups and look similar to cauliflower as they grow. The color of the warts also vary. Some warts are bumpy, soft and pink, while others are smooth and yellowish gray in color.

As with many STDs, the warts can appear several months to a year to appear after a tainted sexual encounter.

There is no cure for the virus and once infected the virus remains with you for life. However, the warts can be removed. The severity of the warts usually determines the removal process that can range from topical creams, to freezing and acid burning.

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Crabs

Although they have claws, they aren't actually crabs, but lice. The little suckers (nearly microscopic in size at about 1/20th of an inch long) attach themselves to the pubic or groin hair so they can feed on blood to live.

While crabs can be contracted by simple contact with an infected person's clothing, bedding or other items, it is more commonly spread by skin to skin contact during sexual encounters. It is one of the only STDs that can't be prevented by use of a condom.

Itching usually begins about a week or so after infection and eggs hatch anywhere from five to 10 days after the crabs' arrival. Today, there are a number of products available to treat genital crabs that eliminate the necessity to shave the infected hairy area.

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Help is a call away

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers a toll-free hotline 24-hours each day, 7-days per week, to provide confidential information about sexually transmitted diseases _ 1-800-227-8922.

The CDC also has a National AIDS Hotline toll-free, 24-hours each day, 7-days per week: 1-800-342-AIDS (2437); 1-800-344-SIDS (7432) Spanish (8am-2am EST); 1-800-243-7889 Hearing Impaired (Monday to Friday, 10am to10pm EST) The National Herpes Hotline is open Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 7 p.m.. The number is 1-919-361-8488.

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