Sexually Transmitted Diseases

STD stands for a sexually transmitted disease and there are many such STDs all with their own set of STD symptoms which you will find listed below. The important thing to remember with STDs is that when you are sexually active, there is always a risk of catching one or more of the sexually transmitted diseases from your sexual partner and the only way of being 100% safe from such STDs is to abstain from sex altogether. However, if you are informed and cautious at all times you can limit this risk.

STD symptoms are:

Genital warts appear as small red or white bumps on the genitalia in both men and women. Sometimes the warts are single, other times in cauliflower-like clusters. They may even be flat and barely visible; others can be rough or smooth but are typically flesh colored. They can be itchy or uncomfortable. Men are the carriers of this STD virus known as HPV. Almost half of all women infected with the virus have no obvious symptoms and an even higher proportion of men are not aware that they are carrying the virus.

Genital herpes causes small red bumps, blisters or open sores on the penis, vagina or adjoining areas plus vaginal discharge in women. An outbreak brings fever, headache and muscle aches plus pain when urinating. There can be itching, burning or swollen glands in the genital area with pain in the legs or buttocks. Symptoms go away and return with each fresh outbreak.

Molluscum Contagiosum affects the groin, genital area, thighs and even lower abdomen with tiny painless bumps that grow over several weeks to become small raised, round, flesh colored bumps on the skin. They usually have a very unique small crater in the centre of each bump. These bumps may become swollen and turn red. Later, as the body’s natural immune system starts to fight the virus, they can become crusted or scabby.

Chlamydia in many cases has no symptoms but there can be an abnormal discharge from the penis or vagina, pain in the testicles and burning while urinating. Long term irritation may cause lower abdominal pain, inflammation of the eyes and skin lesions. In women, it can cause inflammation of the pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).

Gonorrhea can cause pain or burning when urinating with a yellowish and sometimes bloody discharge from the penis or vagina. However, many men have no symptoms.

Hepatitis B gives a mild fever with headache, muscles aches and joint pain. In addition, there can be tiredness, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, dark colored urine, pale bowel movements, stomach pain plus jaundiced skin and whites of eyes. About 30% of people have no symptoms.

HIV Infection and Aids may have no symptoms for 10 years or more but these include extreme fatigue, rapid weight loss, frequent low grade fevers and night sweats, recurring yeast infections in the mouth, red, brown or purplish blotches on or under the skin or inside the mouth, nose or eyelids. Women can have vaginal yeast infections, other STDs, pelvic inflammatory disease known as PID and menstrual cycle changes.

Syphillis produces a painless sore or many sores in the first few days or weeks after exposure. If not treated, skin rash appears that usually does not itch and clears on its own. Fever, swollen lymph glands, sore throat, patchy hair loss, headaches, weight loss, muscle aches and tiredness can follow. Although symptoms disappear, infection remains in the body and can damage the brain, nerves, eyes, heart blood vessels, liver, bones and joints. Late symptoms include not being able to coordinate muscle movements, paralysis, numbness, gradual blindness, dementia and even death.

To limit the risk of contracting a sexually transmitted disease, practice the following:

• Only have one sexual partner.
• Ensure that your sexual partner does not have other sexual partners
• Always ensure safe sex through the use of a properly applied, latex condom and water soluble lube after squeezing out air from the tip of the condom. Don’t use oil based lubricants as oil breaks latex. Remember that treatments for yeast infections contain oil.
• Boost your immune system.
• Have a healthy lifestyle by not smoking, drinking in moderation, eating a good balanced diet, taking vitamins and herbs, getting sufficient rest and sleep, taking regular exercise such as walking or swimming.
• Get tested regularly for STDs.

Remember that safe sex means taking precautions during sex that can keep you from getting a sexually transmitted disease or from giving a STD to your partner.