This is the age of sex. It all started in the 70's with "free love" and hippies but did not fade out with the hippies. Instead sexual obsession stayed around and infects the earth to this day as do it's results. Everyone seems to be obsessed with sex now-a-days. It's all around us. Sell out pop singers whose music isn't that great so they have to show off their bodies and be slutty to get attention. Who buys those albums? Certainly not men. Little girls buy them and coincidentally they start dressing like their sell-out role models.
We get taught sexual education in high school. I personally found it hard to pay attention with my fellow classmates criticizing the lectures and corny videos. In high school I didn't pay attention in sex ed because I was to busy pretending I knew everything there was to know about sex, even though I hadn't done it yet. Thank God I took a peer counselling class with a bunch of "dorks" that hadn't had sex yet. This enabled me to learn about the effects of sex without feeling intimidated by others who had had sex. I learned a lot in that class and as a result of it I saved myself for my b/f and long time friend.
I am dedicating this blog to those of you who need to learn, or freshen up on, the facts and results of having sex. Please use this information wisely.
Tuesday, January 2, 2007
Sexual Transmission
When having sex or performing sexual "favors" (e.i. oral, anal, even touching). You are dealing with bodily fluids and parts of the body that may be infected with viruses. Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD's) are now called Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI's). The reason for this change in name is because some of the viruses passed through sexual transmission are curable and therefore are called infections instead of diseases. They may be curable but if you get one you still have to go through the humiliation of getting tested and cured. These infections are passed when preforming sex or sex related tasks (some can be passed by kissing) What does this tell you? We are not supposed to be engaging in sexual activity with those whose background of sexual activity we are unsure of. Many people get sexually transmitted infections from their partners who they believe were "clean". My advise: know your partner well enough to know they're clean.
Genital Herpes
Genital herpes is an STI that causes painful sores on and around the genitals. The same family of viruses also causes "cold sores" around the mouth.
Genital herpes is most commonly spread by direct contact with open sores, usually during sex. If you touch herpes sores, wash your hands with soap and water to avoid spreading the infection.
Pregnant women can pass this infection to their baby during or after child birth. Herpes infection in infants can be life-threatening.
Herpes is not spread by toilet seats, bathtubs, swimming pools or hot tubs.
It is possible to pass the virus to your sex partners even when you have no sores, so safer sex using a condom is always important. However, remember that the areas of skin not covered by the condom are not protected.
You can get genital herpes through oral sex even from cold sores. To prevent spread during oral sex use a condom on the penis or a condom cut length-wise or a dental dam over the female genital area. After the sores from the first attack heal, the herpes sores may appear again from time to time.
There is no cure for genital herpes, but medication may shorten the attacks and make the sores less painful. Once you have herpes, you are infected for life.
The symptoms and signs:
Tingling or itching in the genital area may appear within a week of having sex with an infected person. A cluster of tiny blisters will likely appear. These blisters will burst and leave painful sores, which last from two to three weeks. A fever and headache may occur in the first attack.
What to look for
Females:
sores inside or near the vagina, on the genitals, near the anus, or on the thighs and buttocks
tender lumps in the groin
Males:
sores on the penis, around the testicles, near the anus, and on thighs and buttocks
tender lumps in the groin.
Both males and females can get sores in the mouth or in the genital area after oral sex with an infected person.
How genital herpes is treated:
If you think you may have genital herpes, see a doctor as soon as possible. The doctor can give you medication to help ease the pain of the attack and control further attacks.
-Keep the infected area clean and dry. Wash your towel before re-using.
-After bathing, use a hair dryer instead of a towel around the sores, or pat dry gently.
-Try to wear loose fitting clothing made of natural materials such as cotton.
-If urinating is painful, pouring warm water over the area may help, or urinate in the bathtub just before getting out.
My sister-in-law contracted herpes by kissing her step son, who was infected by his mother, on the check. She now has to deal with painful outbreaks on her face, neck, mouth and throat for the rest of her life. If you contract herpes you have no hope of having sex without a condom unless your partner is willing to deal with the consequences.
Genital herpes is most commonly spread by direct contact with open sores, usually during sex. If you touch herpes sores, wash your hands with soap and water to avoid spreading the infection.
Pregnant women can pass this infection to their baby during or after child birth. Herpes infection in infants can be life-threatening.
Herpes is not spread by toilet seats, bathtubs, swimming pools or hot tubs.
It is possible to pass the virus to your sex partners even when you have no sores, so safer sex using a condom is always important. However, remember that the areas of skin not covered by the condom are not protected.
You can get genital herpes through oral sex even from cold sores. To prevent spread during oral sex use a condom on the penis or a condom cut length-wise or a dental dam over the female genital area. After the sores from the first attack heal, the herpes sores may appear again from time to time.
There is no cure for genital herpes, but medication may shorten the attacks and make the sores less painful. Once you have herpes, you are infected for life.
The symptoms and signs:
Tingling or itching in the genital area may appear within a week of having sex with an infected person. A cluster of tiny blisters will likely appear. These blisters will burst and leave painful sores, which last from two to three weeks. A fever and headache may occur in the first attack.
What to look for
Females:
sores inside or near the vagina, on the genitals, near the anus, or on the thighs and buttocks
tender lumps in the groin
Males:
sores on the penis, around the testicles, near the anus, and on thighs and buttocks
tender lumps in the groin.
Both males and females can get sores in the mouth or in the genital area after oral sex with an infected person.
How genital herpes is treated:
If you think you may have genital herpes, see a doctor as soon as possible. The doctor can give you medication to help ease the pain of the attack and control further attacks.
-Keep the infected area clean and dry. Wash your towel before re-using.
-After bathing, use a hair dryer instead of a towel around the sores, or pat dry gently.
-Try to wear loose fitting clothing made of natural materials such as cotton.
-If urinating is painful, pouring warm water over the area may help, or urinate in the bathtub just before getting out.
My sister-in-law contracted herpes by kissing her step son, who was infected by his mother, on the check. She now has to deal with painful outbreaks on her face, neck, mouth and throat for the rest of her life. If you contract herpes you have no hope of having sex without a condom unless your partner is willing to deal with the consequences.
Genital Warts (HPV)
HPV is thought to be one of the most common viral STI. HPV is a virus that is spread through sex or close skin-to-skin, genital area contact with someone who is infected. There are different types of HPV that can cause different problems. Many people can be infected with HPV and not know it. Some kinds of HPV can cause genital warts. Other types can lead to cancer.
Genital Warts:
Genital warts are growths on or around the genitals or anal area in both males and females that are caused by HPV. The warts can be different sizes. They may look like a very small cauliflower or be flat and hard to see. They grow in moist areas such as the penis, the vagina, the cervix, the anus, the scrotum and the thighs. Warts may appear on the lips or in the mouth after oral sex with an infected person. The warts are not usually painful but can occasionally be itchy and may have a discharge or bleed - especially if they have been irritated.
For a woman who is pregnant, it's not certain what effect genital warts have on her baby. The baby may be at risk of getting an HPV infection in the throat, but experts don't believe that the warts are passed along to the baby very often.
If you think you may have genital warts you should see your doctor. If you do have genital warts, no treatment can guarantee that you will be cured of your HPV infection. However, treating your warts may lower your risk of passing them along to others. Your doctor may apply medication directly onto the warts. He or she may also give you medication that you apply to your warts yourself. Even when they are treated, warts often return. But over time many people eventually clear HPV from their bodies, and don't get any more warts.
The types of HPV that cause genital warts do not cause cancer. But, because you could have more than one type of HPV you could be at risk for both warts and cancer.
Genital Cancers(Cervical Cancer, Cancer of the Penis or Anus)
Some types of HPV can cause cancer, one of the most common being cervical cancer in women. The cervix is deep inside the vagina. It's the opening to the womb or uterus. The cervix is the most common place in females to be infected with HPV.
When the cervix is infected with HPV, changes can occur in the cells of the cervix. These changes can lead to cancer of the cervix if they are not found and treated. Almost all cervical cancers are caused by HPV. A Pap test is the best way to check the cells of the cervix to see if they have any changes. If your cervix has precancerous or cancerous changes you may not have any symptoms – that is why it is so important to have regular Pap tests.
Some types of HPV can also lead to other cancers in the genital area in both males and females - like anal cancer, cancer of the penis and cancer of the vulva.
Using a condom every time you have sex may help to reduce your risk of getting HPV. But the virus can still be spread through skin that is not covered by a condom.'
Anyone who has had sex is at risk of having HPV, even if there are no symptoms. If you are concerned that you may be infected with HPV you should see your doctor. And if you are female, it's important that you see your doctor regularly for Pap testing.
Your hands can get warts!
Remove Moles, Warts and Skin Tags at Home Naturally
Genital Warts:
Genital warts are growths on or around the genitals or anal area in both males and females that are caused by HPV. The warts can be different sizes. They may look like a very small cauliflower or be flat and hard to see. They grow in moist areas such as the penis, the vagina, the cervix, the anus, the scrotum and the thighs. Warts may appear on the lips or in the mouth after oral sex with an infected person. The warts are not usually painful but can occasionally be itchy and may have a discharge or bleed - especially if they have been irritated.
For a woman who is pregnant, it's not certain what effect genital warts have on her baby. The baby may be at risk of getting an HPV infection in the throat, but experts don't believe that the warts are passed along to the baby very often.
If you think you may have genital warts you should see your doctor. If you do have genital warts, no treatment can guarantee that you will be cured of your HPV infection. However, treating your warts may lower your risk of passing them along to others. Your doctor may apply medication directly onto the warts. He or she may also give you medication that you apply to your warts yourself. Even when they are treated, warts often return. But over time many people eventually clear HPV from their bodies, and don't get any more warts.
The types of HPV that cause genital warts do not cause cancer. But, because you could have more than one type of HPV you could be at risk for both warts and cancer.
Genital Cancers(Cervical Cancer, Cancer of the Penis or Anus)
Some types of HPV can cause cancer, one of the most common being cervical cancer in women. The cervix is deep inside the vagina. It's the opening to the womb or uterus. The cervix is the most common place in females to be infected with HPV.
When the cervix is infected with HPV, changes can occur in the cells of the cervix. These changes can lead to cancer of the cervix if they are not found and treated. Almost all cervical cancers are caused by HPV. A Pap test is the best way to check the cells of the cervix to see if they have any changes. If your cervix has precancerous or cancerous changes you may not have any symptoms – that is why it is so important to have regular Pap tests.
Some types of HPV can also lead to other cancers in the genital area in both males and females - like anal cancer, cancer of the penis and cancer of the vulva.
Using a condom every time you have sex may help to reduce your risk of getting HPV. But the virus can still be spread through skin that is not covered by a condom.'
Anyone who has had sex is at risk of having HPV, even if there are no symptoms. If you are concerned that you may be infected with HPV you should see your doctor. And if you are female, it's important that you see your doctor regularly for Pap testing.
Your hands can get warts!
Remove Moles, Warts and Skin Tags at Home Naturally
Chlamydia
Chlamydia (pronounced kla-mid-ee-ah) is a very common bacterial sexually transmitted infection - and one of the more serious.
It can spread silently in females and cause a painful, long-term condition called PID (pelvic inflammatory disease) and infertility (the inability to have children). Pregnant women can pass this infection on to their babies at birth, who can then get infections of their eyes or lungs.
You can get chlamydia from oral, vaginal or anal sex.
The symptoms and signs:
A woman may never know she is infected with chlamydia until she has a test for it or decides to have a baby and has problems trying to become pregnant.
For those who develop symptoms, they usually appear two to six weeks after sex with an infected person. Sometimes, the symptoms are so mild that a person may not notice them. Men often have no symptoms and can spread the infection without knowing they have it. It is very important that chlamydia be treated right away.
What to look forFemales:
-a new or different discharge from the vagina
-a burning feeling when urinating
-pain in the lower abdomen, sometimes
-with fever and chills
-pain during sex
-vaginal bleeding between periods
-vaginal bleeding after intercourse
Males:
-a watery or milky drip from the penis
-an itchy feeling inside the penis
-a burning feeling when urinating
-pain or swelling in the testicles
A quick and reliable urine test is available for chlamydia in most centres for both men and women.
If you are having sex and have taken chances, see a health professional or go to a clinic and ask to be tested.
How chlamydia is treated:
Chlamydia can often be treated with just one dose of antibiotics taken by mouth. But you can get it again right away from your partner if he/she isn't treated as well.
You must get a prescription for the right antibiotic from your doctor. Don't borrow medicine from your friends, and you cannot buy the medicine on the street.
Treatment is important:
Your doctor or nurse may ask you for the name of your partner or ask you to tell your partner so that this STI will not be spread further. Make sure you take your medication until it is finished. Ask your doctor or nurse how soon after treatment you can have sexual intercourse.
If you are a female with chlamydia and you don't get treated, this could happen to you:
you might develop a pain in your abdomen or belly that never seems to go away
the infection could spread to all your reproductive organs and cause PID
you may have problems later in life getting pregnant or during your pregnancy.
The long-term effects of chlamydia on males are not well known.
It can spread silently in females and cause a painful, long-term condition called PID (pelvic inflammatory disease) and infertility (the inability to have children). Pregnant women can pass this infection on to their babies at birth, who can then get infections of their eyes or lungs.
You can get chlamydia from oral, vaginal or anal sex.
The symptoms and signs:
A woman may never know she is infected with chlamydia until she has a test for it or decides to have a baby and has problems trying to become pregnant.
For those who develop symptoms, they usually appear two to six weeks after sex with an infected person. Sometimes, the symptoms are so mild that a person may not notice them. Men often have no symptoms and can spread the infection without knowing they have it. It is very important that chlamydia be treated right away.
What to look forFemales:
-a new or different discharge from the vagina
-a burning feeling when urinating
-pain in the lower abdomen, sometimes
-with fever and chills
-pain during sex
-vaginal bleeding between periods
-vaginal bleeding after intercourse
Males:
-a watery or milky drip from the penis
-an itchy feeling inside the penis
-a burning feeling when urinating
-pain or swelling in the testicles
A quick and reliable urine test is available for chlamydia in most centres for both men and women.
If you are having sex and have taken chances, see a health professional or go to a clinic and ask to be tested.
How chlamydia is treated:
Chlamydia can often be treated with just one dose of antibiotics taken by mouth. But you can get it again right away from your partner if he/she isn't treated as well.
You must get a prescription for the right antibiotic from your doctor. Don't borrow medicine from your friends, and you cannot buy the medicine on the street.
Treatment is important:
Your doctor or nurse may ask you for the name of your partner or ask you to tell your partner so that this STI will not be spread further. Make sure you take your medication until it is finished. Ask your doctor or nurse how soon after treatment you can have sexual intercourse.
If you are a female with chlamydia and you don't get treated, this could happen to you:
you might develop a pain in your abdomen or belly that never seems to go away
the infection could spread to all your reproductive organs and cause PID
you may have problems later in life getting pregnant or during your pregnancy.
The long-term effects of chlamydia on males are not well known.
Pubic lice and Scabies: "Crabs"
You may have heard of someone getting "crabs" from sex. This happens when tiny insects spread from an infected person to you. This can happen as a result of sex, but not always. You can also get scabies and lice from using bed sheets or towels or wearing the clothes of an infected person.
The symptoms and signs:
Symptoms of scabies and lice occur when the insects either bite you or burrow into your skin to lay their eggs. With lice, you may actually see the pearly white eggs on the hair in your pubic area, close to the skin.
What to look for:
Scabies-
-itching, mainly at night
-a rash may appear between your fingers, on your wrists, abdomen, ankles, on the bend of your elbows, or around your genitals.
Pubic lice-
-perhaps an itch in the pubic area
-light brown insects the size of a pinhead may be seen
-oval, whitish eggs may be seen on the hair.
How scabies and lice are treated:
Scabies and lice may be treated easily with special creams, lotions or shampoos, which are available at a drugstore. Ask the pharmacist for help, and then follow the directions carefully.
If you don't treat scabies or lice, you may get a skin infection that will require a visit to a doctor.
Avoid close body contact with others if you have scabies or lice. Get treatment to avoid passing them to others.
Wash clothes and bed linen in hot water, or dry-clean and press with a very hot iron. Freezing clothes, fabrics or blankets or storing them in an air-tight plastic bag for two weeks will also destroy the insects and their eggs.
If you have scabies or pubic lice, be sure to tell your sex partners. Anyone with whom you have had close contact or who has shared your bed sheets, clothes or towels should be treated, even if they don't have an itch or rash.
The symptoms and signs:
Symptoms of scabies and lice occur when the insects either bite you or burrow into your skin to lay their eggs. With lice, you may actually see the pearly white eggs on the hair in your pubic area, close to the skin.
What to look for:
Scabies-
-itching, mainly at night
-a rash may appear between your fingers, on your wrists, abdomen, ankles, on the bend of your elbows, or around your genitals.
Pubic lice-
-perhaps an itch in the pubic area
-light brown insects the size of a pinhead may be seen
-oval, whitish eggs may be seen on the hair.
How scabies and lice are treated:
Scabies and lice may be treated easily with special creams, lotions or shampoos, which are available at a drugstore. Ask the pharmacist for help, and then follow the directions carefully.
If you don't treat scabies or lice, you may get a skin infection that will require a visit to a doctor.
Avoid close body contact with others if you have scabies or lice. Get treatment to avoid passing them to others.
Wash clothes and bed linen in hot water, or dry-clean and press with a very hot iron. Freezing clothes, fabrics or blankets or storing them in an air-tight plastic bag for two weeks will also destroy the insects and their eggs.
If you have scabies or pubic lice, be sure to tell your sex partners. Anyone with whom you have had close contact or who has shared your bed sheets, clothes or towels should be treated, even if they don't have an itch or rash.
Gonorrhea: "the clap" or "a dose"
You may have heard of this STI by other names such as "the clap" or "a dose." Gonorrhea is a common STI which, if not treated early, can cause serious health problems, especially for women.
Gonorrhea in women left untreated could lead to a painful, long-term condition called PID (pelvic inflammatory disease) and infertility (the inability to have children).
A pregnant woman can pass gonorrhea to her baby during birth, and cause a serious eye infection or blindness.
You can get gonorrhea from oral, vaginal and anal sex.
The symptoms and signs:
If you catch gonorrhea from having sex with an infected partner, you might not notice any symptoms. If you do, they will appear three to five days after sex.
Even if you don't have symptoms, you can have gonorrhea and you can pass it on
to others.
What to look for
Females:
-new or different discharge from the vagina
-a burning feeling when urinating
-pain in the lower abdomen
-fever and chills
-pain during sex
-vaginal bleeding between periods
-vaginal bleeding after intercourse
-possible rectal pain
-rectal discharge
Males:
-discharge from the penis, may be thick and yellow-green in colour
-burning feeling when urinating
-pain or swelling in the testicles
-possible rectal pain
-rectal discharge
To test for gonorrhea, a swab of the area is usually taken or a new urine test may be used at some centres.
How gonorrhea is treated:
Gonorrhea can often be treated with just one dose of antibiotics taken by mouth and can be cured. But you can get it again right away from your partner if he/she isn't treated as well. See a doctor or go to a clinic and, if you have gonorrhea, tell your partner.
Gonorrhea in women left untreated could lead to a painful, long-term condition called PID (pelvic inflammatory disease) and infertility (the inability to have children).
A pregnant woman can pass gonorrhea to her baby during birth, and cause a serious eye infection or blindness.
You can get gonorrhea from oral, vaginal and anal sex.
The symptoms and signs:
If you catch gonorrhea from having sex with an infected partner, you might not notice any symptoms. If you do, they will appear three to five days after sex.
Even if you don't have symptoms, you can have gonorrhea and you can pass it on
to others.
What to look for
Females:
-new or different discharge from the vagina
-a burning feeling when urinating
-pain in the lower abdomen
-fever and chills
-pain during sex
-vaginal bleeding between periods
-vaginal bleeding after intercourse
-possible rectal pain
-rectal discharge
Males:
-discharge from the penis, may be thick and yellow-green in colour
-burning feeling when urinating
-pain or swelling in the testicles
-possible rectal pain
-rectal discharge
To test for gonorrhea, a swab of the area is usually taken or a new urine test may be used at some centres.
How gonorrhea is treated:
Gonorrhea can often be treated with just one dose of antibiotics taken by mouth and can be cured. But you can get it again right away from your partner if he/she isn't treated as well. See a doctor or go to a clinic and, if you have gonorrhea, tell your partner.
Trichomonas
Trichomonas is a germ that can be spread during sex.
It can cause vaginitis in women - an inflamed, sore and itchy vagina, sometimes with an unusual discharge. Very rarely trichomonas can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) - a serious infection in women.
If a woman who is pregnant has "trich", her baby may be born early or weigh less than normal.
Even if you don't have any symptoms you can still pass on "trich" to your partner if you are infected.
What to look for:
Females:
-frothy, off-white or yellowish-green vaginal discharge
-itching and irritation of the genital area
-vaginal odour
-pain during sex
-painful or frequent urination
Males:
Often males don't have any symptoms but they may experience:
-slight discharge from the penis
-burning sensation on urination
-irritation and redness of the head of the penis
Trichomonas can be diagnosed by a swab of the discharge or infected area.
Trichomonas can be treated with pills, but both you and your partner (or partners) need to be treated to prevent you from getting the infection again.
You can protect yourself against "trich" by using a condom every time you have sex.
It can cause vaginitis in women - an inflamed, sore and itchy vagina, sometimes with an unusual discharge. Very rarely trichomonas can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) - a serious infection in women.
If a woman who is pregnant has "trich", her baby may be born early or weigh less than normal.
Even if you don't have any symptoms you can still pass on "trich" to your partner if you are infected.
What to look for:
Females:
-frothy, off-white or yellowish-green vaginal discharge
-itching and irritation of the genital area
-vaginal odour
-pain during sex
-painful or frequent urination
Males:
Often males don't have any symptoms but they may experience:
-slight discharge from the penis
-burning sensation on urination
-irritation and redness of the head of the penis
Trichomonas can be diagnosed by a swab of the discharge or infected area.
Trichomonas can be treated with pills, but both you and your partner (or partners) need to be treated to prevent you from getting the infection again.
You can protect yourself against "trich" by using a condom every time you have sex.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is an infection of the liver caused by a virus. It is much easier to get than HIV (AIDS).
Sometimes the infection goes away by itself or sometimes people carry the virus for the rest of their lives and never know, but still give it to other people. A lot of people have hepatitis B without knowing it. It can cause serious problems later in life, including permanent liver disease and cancer of the liver.
The good news is that hepatitis B can be prevented by a vaccine.
The symptoms and signs:
Most people who become infected with hepatitis B have no symptoms. Symptoms usually occur within two to six months after contact.
They can include:
-poor appetite, nausea and vomiting
-headaches
-feeling very tired
-a general feeling of being unwell
-jaundice (yellow colouring of the eyes and skin).
How hepatitis B is spread:
The hepatitis B virus is spread through infected body fluids such as blood, semen and vaginal fluid. An infant can be vaccinated at birth to protect against infection if the mother carries the hepatitis B virus.
To lower your chances of getting hepatitis B, make sure you:
-practice safer sex
-do not share needles and syringes
-do not share instruments used in body-piercing, tattooing or hair removal
-do not share toothbrushes or razors
-get vaccinated.
You can find out if you have hepatitis B through a blood test.
If you have been infected, avoid having sex until your doctor says it's okay.
Your sexual partner can be protected against the infection by getting the hepatitis B vaccine.
Remember, hepatitis B is not always an STI. You can get it other ways as well.
Sometimes the infection goes away by itself or sometimes people carry the virus for the rest of their lives and never know, but still give it to other people. A lot of people have hepatitis B without knowing it. It can cause serious problems later in life, including permanent liver disease and cancer of the liver.
The good news is that hepatitis B can be prevented by a vaccine.
The symptoms and signs:
Most people who become infected with hepatitis B have no symptoms. Symptoms usually occur within two to six months after contact.
They can include:
-poor appetite, nausea and vomiting
-headaches
-feeling very tired
-a general feeling of being unwell
-jaundice (yellow colouring of the eyes and skin).
How hepatitis B is spread:
The hepatitis B virus is spread through infected body fluids such as blood, semen and vaginal fluid. An infant can be vaccinated at birth to protect against infection if the mother carries the hepatitis B virus.
To lower your chances of getting hepatitis B, make sure you:
-practice safer sex
-do not share needles and syringes
-do not share instruments used in body-piercing, tattooing or hair removal
-do not share toothbrushes or razors
-get vaccinated.
You can find out if you have hepatitis B through a blood test.
If you have been infected, avoid having sex until your doctor says it's okay.
Your sexual partner can be protected against the infection by getting the hepatitis B vaccine.
Remember, hepatitis B is not always an STI. You can get it other ways as well.
Syphilis
Syphilis is a serious disease that can affect your entire body. If not treated, syphilis may cause serious health problems years later, such as heart or brain damage.
You can have it without knowing and pass it on to others.
Syphilis can be spread during oral, vaginal or anal sex.
Pregnant women with syphilis can give it to their unborn child, sometimes causing birth defects - even death.
The symptoms and signs:
Sores often go unnoticed and may disappear on their own if not treated, but the infection is still active. Symptoms may appear from days to months after infection.
-painless sore around or in the vagina, on the penis, inside the mouth or near the anus
-"flu"-like symptoms
-rash on the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, or over the whole body.
A simple blood test can tell whether you have been exposed to syphilis.
Syphilis is cured with antibiotics.
If you have syphilis, your partner(s) will need to know so that they can see their doctor and possibly be treated. Re-infection from an untreated partner can happen.
You can have it without knowing and pass it on to others.
Syphilis can be spread during oral, vaginal or anal sex.
Pregnant women with syphilis can give it to their unborn child, sometimes causing birth defects - even death.
The symptoms and signs:
Sores often go unnoticed and may disappear on their own if not treated, but the infection is still active. Symptoms may appear from days to months after infection.
-painless sore around or in the vagina, on the penis, inside the mouth or near the anus
-"flu"-like symptoms
-rash on the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, or over the whole body.
A simple blood test can tell whether you have been exposed to syphilis.
Syphilis is cured with antibiotics.
If you have syphilis, your partner(s) will need to know so that they can see their doctor and possibly be treated. Re-infection from an untreated partner can happen.
HIV and AIDS
HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus, which is the virus that causes AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome).
The virus attacks the body's immune system, which is your defence against infections.
AIDS is the late stage of HIV infection and is life-threatening. People living with HIV may get infections such as an unusual type of pneumonia, or develop skin cancer or other types of cancers.
How HIV/AIDS is spread:
The virus is spread through body fluids such as blood, semen, pre-semen, vaginal fluids, and breast milk.
The HIV virus can also be found in saliva (spit), sweat and tears, but only in very low amounts. These body fluids are not known to spread HIV infection.
To become infected with HIV, the virus must have a way into your body. This can occur during unprotected sex (vaginal, anal, oral) or when needles or other injecting (skin-piercing) equipment are shared. Sharing sex toys can also spread the virus from one partner to another.
HIV can be transmitted from an HIV positive mother to her baby during pregnancy, at the time of birth or afterwards during breastfeeding. That is why it is so important for any woman who is pregnant to be tested for HIV. Ask your doctor about HIV testing.
Personal items, such as toothbrushes and razors can have small amounts of blood on them from bleeding gums and shaving cuts. So even though the risk is very low, sharing personal items like toothbrushes and razors with someone who is infected could spread the HIV virus.
HIV is not spread by everyday social contact. Touching, hugging and shaking hands with a person living with HIV/AIDS are all safe. Insects and pets cannot spread HIV.
Some people worry that they can get HIV by donating blood but this is not true. A new, sterile needle is used every time for every person who donates blood.
Donated blood is always checked for HIV so the chances of getting it from a blood transfusion are very, very low.
Having another STI increases your chances of:
getting HIV from your HIV positive partner or
giving HIV to your sexual partner if you are HIV positive.
How to tell if you have HIV:
A simple blood test can tell you if you have HIV. It is called the HIV antibody test.
A positive test result means that you have HIV.
A negative result means that no antibodies to HIV were found in your blood at the time of testing. Most positive tests will show up within three months of a person becoming infected with HIV.
Lower your chances of getting HIV by:
discussing HIV and other STIs with your partner(s)
considering other things like caressing and touching instead of having sex
both of you being tested for HIV before having sex with a new partner
having sex only with a partner who agrees to protect both of you
remembering not to share items that could result in the exchange of blood, semen or vaginal fluids. This includes injection, piercing and tattooing equipment, sex toys, toothbrushes and razors
If you think you are at risk ...
Please see your doctor or go to your local health clinic for HIV testing if you are worried that you might have HIV. Ask about anonymous HIV testing.
If you have become HIV positive, then your sex partners, or others with whom you have shared needles or other injecting equipment must be told that they also may have been in contact with the virus. They will have to decide if they wish to be tested for HIV.
You might want to tell them yourself, but if you are not comfortable, talk to your doctor or nurse - they can help.
Protect your partners from HIV.
How HIV/AIDS is treated
There is no cure for HIV infection at this time. Once infected, you have HIV for life. Several treatments have been developed that may slow the progress of HIV, but there is no cure.
COULD THIS BE YOU?
"HIV affects only gay guys. As long as I have sex with girls, I'm going to be okay."
DID YOU KNOW
This is not true. HIV is spread by direct sexual contact with anyone who has HIV. In fact, the number of cases of heterosexual transmission (male-female sex) is increasing in Canada and is the number one mode of HIV transmission in the world.
The virus attacks the body's immune system, which is your defence against infections.
AIDS is the late stage of HIV infection and is life-threatening. People living with HIV may get infections such as an unusual type of pneumonia, or develop skin cancer or other types of cancers.
How HIV/AIDS is spread:
The virus is spread through body fluids such as blood, semen, pre-semen, vaginal fluids, and breast milk.
The HIV virus can also be found in saliva (spit), sweat and tears, but only in very low amounts. These body fluids are not known to spread HIV infection.
To become infected with HIV, the virus must have a way into your body. This can occur during unprotected sex (vaginal, anal, oral) or when needles or other injecting (skin-piercing) equipment are shared. Sharing sex toys can also spread the virus from one partner to another.
HIV can be transmitted from an HIV positive mother to her baby during pregnancy, at the time of birth or afterwards during breastfeeding. That is why it is so important for any woman who is pregnant to be tested for HIV. Ask your doctor about HIV testing.
Personal items, such as toothbrushes and razors can have small amounts of blood on them from bleeding gums and shaving cuts. So even though the risk is very low, sharing personal items like toothbrushes and razors with someone who is infected could spread the HIV virus.
HIV is not spread by everyday social contact. Touching, hugging and shaking hands with a person living with HIV/AIDS are all safe. Insects and pets cannot spread HIV.
Some people worry that they can get HIV by donating blood but this is not true. A new, sterile needle is used every time for every person who donates blood.
Donated blood is always checked for HIV so the chances of getting it from a blood transfusion are very, very low.
Having another STI increases your chances of:
getting HIV from your HIV positive partner or
giving HIV to your sexual partner if you are HIV positive.
How to tell if you have HIV:
A simple blood test can tell you if you have HIV. It is called the HIV antibody test.
A positive test result means that you have HIV.
A negative result means that no antibodies to HIV were found in your blood at the time of testing. Most positive tests will show up within three months of a person becoming infected with HIV.
Lower your chances of getting HIV by:
discussing HIV and other STIs with your partner(s)
considering other things like caressing and touching instead of having sex
both of you being tested for HIV before having sex with a new partner
having sex only with a partner who agrees to protect both of you
remembering not to share items that could result in the exchange of blood, semen or vaginal fluids. This includes injection, piercing and tattooing equipment, sex toys, toothbrushes and razors
If you think you are at risk ...
Please see your doctor or go to your local health clinic for HIV testing if you are worried that you might have HIV. Ask about anonymous HIV testing.
If you have become HIV positive, then your sex partners, or others with whom you have shared needles or other injecting equipment must be told that they also may have been in contact with the virus. They will have to decide if they wish to be tested for HIV.
You might want to tell them yourself, but if you are not comfortable, talk to your doctor or nurse - they can help.
Protect your partners from HIV.
How HIV/AIDS is treated
There is no cure for HIV infection at this time. Once infected, you have HIV for life. Several treatments have been developed that may slow the progress of HIV, but there is no cure.
COULD THIS BE YOU?
"HIV affects only gay guys. As long as I have sex with girls, I'm going to be okay."
DID YOU KNOW
This is not true. HIV is spread by direct sexual contact with anyone who has HIV. In fact, the number of cases of heterosexual transmission (male-female sex) is increasing in Canada and is the number one mode of HIV transmission in the world.
Safe Sex is the Best Sex
I hope this information opened your eyes to what could happen if you are to participate in unprotected sex and all things sex related. If you are having sex with multiple partners you may contract an STI. As you can see many of the STI's are undetectable at first and you may not even know you are infected. They can spread before they are detectable. If you are to contract an STI because you have multiple partners or do not know your partners history this may result in having to have protected sex with all of your partners for the rest of your life. Also, you will have to warn the person who you want to be intimate with that you have an STI. You CAN contract STI's through other acts besides sex that are sex related. You can contract an STI through any type of body fluid exchange.
STI's can cause infertility (lack of ability to have children) in women. STI's are shown to have extreme effects on babies who are born to infected mothers. They could get the infection themselves, have birth defects and even die.
Is sex and sexual contact really worth all this risk and trouble?
STI's can cause infertility (lack of ability to have children) in women. STI's are shown to have extreme effects on babies who are born to infected mothers. They could get the infection themselves, have birth defects and even die.
Is sex and sexual contact really worth all this risk and trouble?
Alcohol and Sex
Alcohol is no excuse for having sex or performing sexual favors. Many people use the excuse of "I was drunk". If you tell yourself it was okay to have sex with people or participate in sexual activity with people because you were drunk it only makes it easier to excuse this behavior in the future. You must learn from your mistakes. If it happened once then you are the only one that can prevent it from happening again. You make up and control your own mind and you are the only one that is responsible for your actions. Alcohol is not responsible for your actions.
If someone has taken advantage of you sexually while you are intoxicated, even if you agreed and the time but were extremely drunk that is rape. No one, not even a partner or spouse has the right to have sex with you unwillingly or if you are extremely intoxicated. If this has happened contact your local authorities.
If someone has taken advantage of you sexually while you are intoxicated, even if you agreed and the time but were extremely drunk that is rape. No one, not even a partner or spouse has the right to have sex with you unwillingly or if you are extremely intoxicated. If this has happened contact your local authorities.
Females and Sex
Females generally do not have the ability to have orgasms when they are young. Really there is no point to having sex unless you are able to enjoy it or are trying to procreate. The first few times you have sex is painful and really not fun at all. Does this really seem like something you want to do? All you're doing is letting some guy whose only using you for your body and does not care about you in anyway take advantage of you. This goes for anything sex related as well. If you preform oral on a guy you are at risk of contracting an STI, which may be something you have to live with the rest of your life, and he is getting what he wants from you.
Be strong women. Control yourselves. You will never get respect acting like this. This only leads to being called a "slut". You are losing the ability to be respected every time you participate in sexual activities with a guy. You will be a more respectable person if you don't follow what all those other trashy girls are doing.
Sex is not that important unless you are trying to conceive. There are so many more important things in life. Like being a respectable person for instance.
STOP LETTING MEN CONTROL YOU AND BELITTLE YOU. CONTROL THEM AND BELITTLE THEM BY NOT HAVING SEX!!
P.S. No offence to all those good, sweet, nice guys out there that are FEW and FAR between!
Be strong women. Control yourselves. You will never get respect acting like this. This only leads to being called a "slut". You are losing the ability to be respected every time you participate in sexual activities with a guy. You will be a more respectable person if you don't follow what all those other trashy girls are doing.
Sex is not that important unless you are trying to conceive. There are so many more important things in life. Like being a respectable person for instance.
STOP LETTING MEN CONTROL YOU AND BELITTLE YOU. CONTROL THEM AND BELITTLE THEM BY NOT HAVING SEX!!
P.S. No offence to all those good, sweet, nice guys out there that are FEW and FAR between!
STI Statistics
| Number of new diagnoses of selected STIs at GUM clinics in the UK, 1995 to 2004 | |||||
| 1995 | 2003 | 2004 | 2003 - 2004 % change | 1995 -2004 % change | |
| Chlamydia | 32,288 | 95,879 | 103,932 | 8 | 222 |
| Genital warts | 60,247 | 76,457 | 79,618 | 4 | 32 |
| Gonorrhoea | 10,580 | 24,915 | 22,320 | -10 | 111 |
| Genital herpes | 16,479 | 19,180 | 18,923 | -1 | 15 |
| Syphilis | 141 | 1,641 | 2,252 | 37 | 1497 |
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