Sexually transmitted diseases: top five facts
STDs, or sexually transmitted diseases, can be a nasty side-effect of sex. Every year, more than 333 million people get infected with syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia or trichomoniasis, the four most common STDs. Some are even fatal. But it’s easy enough to protect yourself.
What’s in the name?
There’s a difference between an STI and an STD. You’ve got a sexually transmitted infection (STI) when you’ve been infected through having unprotected sex. If the infection then causes symptoms, such as unusual discharge from your penis or vagina, you’ve got a sexually transmitted disease (STD).
So in general, the only difference between an STI and an STD is whether you’ve got symptoms. Either way, you still have an infection that you can pass on to someone else.
Protection
STDs can range from having only a small effect on your health to being deadly. But there is a very simple way to protect yourself and your sex partners from getting infected or passing on the infection – using condoms!
You may have heard that peeing and washing your genitals after sex can protect you, but that’s not true. Condoms are the only effective prevention method against STDs. The other option you have is abstinence, which means not having sex at all. Girls can also get vaccinated against the HP-virus, which causes genital warts, an STD that can cause cervical cancer.
The causes and treatment
STDs can be caused by either bacteria, viruses or parasites. They don’t come from witches, supernatural powers, curses or taboos. Which means that to treat the disease, medication against the bacteria, virus or parasite should be used. There are lots of other beliefs about treating STDs though. Having unprotected sex with a virgin, fasting, praying over your genitals and soaking them in soda or religious blessings will not cure your STD!
Get tested!
The problem with STDs is that you might not have any symptoms, but you can still pass on the infection. Or it takes a really long time for the symptoms to show up. With HIV for example, you can be infected for up to 10 years without any major symptoms!
So even if you or your partner looks healthy, that may not mean that you actually are healthy. That’s why it’s important to get tested regularly if you have unprotected sex or you think you may have an STD. Because treatment will also lower your risk of getting another infection, like HIV.
We’ve come a long way…
You can be lucky that science has come up with very effective medications against many STDs. Before antibiotics, infections like syphilis were often treated with mercury, arsenic and silver nitrate. And while this may have cured it, you were left with severe poisoning or sores that needed to be burned off your skin.
But remember that not all STDs have a cure. HIV/AIDS is still fatal, for example. So it’s important to protect yourself and have safe sex, then you won’t have to worry about a cure.Do you know any other myths about STDs? Share below or join the discussion on Facebook.
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Recent Comments (10)
the issue of sex self…
the issue of sex self protection in villages particularly in nigerian villages dont believe in STD and STI because of low public health awareness about the danger of having sex with no protectics.
Dear Ali, its quite…
Dear Ali, its quite unfortunate that the sex education in not available in all corners of our countries, and people get infections that can be prevented if they had correct information on sex and sexually transmitted infections. What about you start small? Having discussion with the youth? This website can be your reference point.
Actually I don’t know what…
Actually I don’t know what to tell in that after having sex using a condom I later realized that the Condom had bursted unkowingly,,,and after two three day I realized changes in that,my penis started moistering and producing some milky particles and small rashes on then had and inflict pain…now have developed fear how I will go explain to the doctor on this…kindly help what is this and how to be helped
Hi Collins, you may have…
Hi Collins, you may have been exposed to a Sexually Transmitted Infection after the condom broke. I imagine this is a difficult conversation to have, however, a health Centre is a safe space to discuss such issues. This is the only way you will be able to get the right treatment after having some tests done. Do consider visiting a health Centre of your choice for a check up. You can also let us know where you are and we shall be glad to refer you to specific facilities you could check out. In the meantime, have a look at the following article for some of the health Centres you can seek the service;- https://lovemattersafrica.com/get-help/clinics
I have beeb having the…
I have beeb having the symptoms of std feeling a hot sensation when urinating and seeing discharge from my penis but have gone for check up stating nothing is wrong and having be using ampiclox
HI Tolu, pain when urinating…
HI Tolu, pain when urinating and a discharge from the penis are common signs of an infection. It maybe useful to seek a second opinion from a different health provider.
Pls what is the best…
Pls what is the best medicine recommended by you to take when one contact STD?
Hello Dan Major, thank you…
Hello Dan Major, thank you for reaching out and asking a great question. Different STD’s require different treatments and medications. Since this is a medical issue we strongly advise you see a medical professional for a comprehensive diagnosis.
Here is a list of health institutions that should be of help
https://lovemattersafrica.com/get-help/clinics
After sex my penis later got…
After sex my penis later got a pimple and later a wound, help me please
Hi Caesar, thank you for…
Hi Caesar, thank you for reaching out to us. This sounds like a medical issue and we strongly advise that you see a medical practitioner as soon as you can.