subject: What you must know about STDs [print this page] What you must know about STDs What you must know about STDs
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What you must know about STDs
Sexually transmitted diseases or STDs are transmitted through sexual contact with individuals who are infected. These diseases can also be called Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) or venereal diseases (VD). Sexually transmitted diseases can also be transmitted from a pregnant mother to the baby through child birth and breastfeeding. Even if there are a number of diseases which can be spread through sex like the common cold or influenza, they are not considered as sexually transmitted diseases because sexual contact is not the main vector of these illnesses.
For the past 100 years, it has been known that STDs are a great challenge facing health care today. Because these diseases are infectious, the number of individuals infected by STDs grows everyday. The alarming growth of infected populations has prompted governments all over the world to take immediate actions like encouraging the growth of social awareness.
There are many known STDs and they vary in characteristics. They are the result of different kinds of infections caused by bacteria, viruses and fungi. There are also parasites and protozoa that cause STDs. Most of sexually transmitted diseases can be treated and cured, but some cannot. Some of the STDs that can't be treated are HIV (Human Immuno Virus) or AIDS. Examples of STDs caused by bacteria are syphilis, gonorrhea and Chlamydia. While those caused by viruses are HIV, herpes, hepatitis A, E and C.
There can't be a list of symptoms for STDs because the term is referring to a group of illnesses rather than one type. Each STD has its own set of symptoms. And sometimes, an infected person may not experience symptoms at all. Treatment of STDs depends on the nature of the disease and can be very difficult to do. Prevention is much easier through safe-sex practices like using condom if the sexual history of a sexual partner is unknown.
At present, NGOs and governments of developing countries are exerting effort to make the use of condom popular. In developed countries like the US, posters and advertisements of different sorts are used to increase people's awareness of STDs and put an end to the spread of infection. Sex education in schools can also help in proactively fighting STDs. Delaying treatment of STDs can lead to very dangerous health risks and complications. It is important to consult a doctor right away if a person suspects possible STD infection with or without symptoms.
