Guest Post – Liberty Kontranowski
Hallelujah, Eathan’s dodged a bullet after a questionable roll in the hay, but what about those who don’t? What kinds of diseases can really be contracted out there and what are the chances you’ll be the one to snag a disease for your very own?
Promise not to bore you with statistics (well, maybe a few), but here are five of the most common bacterial STDs around, what their symptoms are and some other little tidbits of wisdom.
Chlamydia
In 2008, more than 1.2 million cases of chlamydia were reported. For reference, the amount was less than half of that back in 1997. Yes people, chlamydia is out there and it’s widespread.
The rate of chlamydia cases is 12 times greater in black men than in whites and eight times greater in black women versus white women. Other minorities such as American Indians, Alaska Natives and Hispanics also had higher instances than whites.
The good news is that chlamydia is curable and is treated with a short course of antibiotics. Since many people with chlamydia may show no symptoms, regular testing is essential to be sure the disease is not passed on.
Gonorrhea (aka “The Clap”)
Although reported cases of gonorrhea have been trending downward, it is still the second most commonly reported STD in the U.S. Again, African Americans, American Indians, Native Alaskans and Hispanics have disproportionately higher instances than whites. Teens also tend to have higher rates of infection.
Symptoms include pain during urination, thick yellow discharge and other pelvic maladies. The treatment for gonorrhea is antibiotics, which are generally quite effective. And as a side note, gonorrhea can and will infect the throat, so oral sex with someone diagnosed with gonorrhea is a definite “Hell, no!”
Syphilis
In the new millennium, there has been a steady rise in cases of syphilis, mostly in men. What’s more, it is a disease that can manifest into more serious complications if not treated.
Syphilis sores can appear in the mouth, vagina and rectum as well as on your external bits and pieces. Thus, condoms may give some protection, but may leave one more exposed than they’d like. Sometimes these sores heal on their own, making the infected person believe they have been cured, when in fact, they are still spreading the love (er, non-love). As with the others mentioned so far, syphilis is also treated with antibiotics.
Mycoplasma Genitalium
Very prevalent in adolescents (take note, Alpha Boy), Mycoplasma Gentalium (MG) tends to be quite asymptomatic and therefore goes undiagnosed and untreated all too often. It is thought that MG can play a big role in infertility due to the pelvic inflammatory diseases MG causes. Once again, antibiotics are given for treatment, presuming treatment is sought.
Trichomoniasis
The most common STD in young women, Trichomoniasis is often mistaken for a yeast infection since it bears many of the same symptoms. Men generally have fewer or no symptoms. Treatment is an antiprotozoal medication, taken as a pill. Trich can be tricky to diagnose, so heads up if The Lady is complaining of itching, burning or frothing “down there.”
But wait, there’s more…
Not mentioned above, but extremely prevalent nonetheless is the Herpes virus – which Eathan now knows a little about. Note the word “virus.” The other STDs listed here have all been bacterial and are thus curable, but viral infections stay with you. For-evah. Since herpes can also go undetected, it is easily spread. It’s important to explore your anti-viral options (which won’t cure herpes but can help with flare-ups) and ask your doc about other herpes treatments. Other top viral infections include Human Papillomavirus (HPV), Hepatits B and HIV/AIDS.
So, okay, naturally it’s a no-brainer that abstinence is the key to preventing yourself from contracting one of these not-so-lovely attributes. At least, abstinence while you’re receiving treatment. Be honest with yourself and with your partner. Presumably, your partner will do the same for you (ahem, we’re looking at you, SR39).
If you do choose to still be sexually active, cover up, for sure. Don’t let the heat of the moment persuade you to make crazy choices. When in doubt, picture yourself “pissing fire” and you’ll likely remember to stay safe.
Liberty Kontranowski is a freelance writer and blogger, covering topics such as sex, health, lifestyle, beauty, celebs and more. She is a frequent contributor to Viamedic.com, a safe and secure online pharmacy and health resource.
