This topic may have given you a couple of giggles when during sex education class in school, but it’s important to rise above and be aware of the common diseases we might contract if we don’t practice safe sex. Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are diseases that is generally passed from one person to another during sexual activity, whether it is vaginal, anal or oral sex.
1. Gonorrhea
Gonorrhea is caused by the bacteria, Neisseria gonorrhea. It is found in moist areas of the body including the vagina, eyes, throat, and rectum. This infection can even spread this diseases through touch and may be passed down to newborns if the mother is infected during childbirth.
Symptoms of gonorrhea includes abnormal bleeding, burning sensation during urination, and general irritation of the outer area of the vagina.
2. Genital Warts
Genital warts are the most widely spread STD among women, and is caused by a virus called the human papilloma virus (HPV). Sexual contact is the most common way for one to contract HPV, but there are myths circulating that the virus may be passed around from objects such as toilet seats, but research has not proven this theory.
Female genital warts are pinkish, reddish or grey swellings in the skin that grow to form clusters shaped like a cauliflower. Symptoms can include a burning sensation, itching and can cause bleeding.
3. Trichomoniasis
Trichomoniasis is an STD caused by trichomonas vaginalis, a parasite that live in the urogenital tract of males and females and can infect sexually active people. The symptoms of the Trichomoniasis appears as early as 4 days after sexual contact with an infected partner, but may generally appear later as well. The symptoms of Trichomoniasis includes frothy vaginal discharge ranging from colors gray, green and yellow, foul odor, soreness, itching and tenderness and even bleeding. This disease commonly occurs among those who do not use protection during sex or have multiple partners. (Source)
4. Syphillis
Syphillis is an STD that is centuries old, caused by the bacterial organism called spirochete, a wormlike organism that infects a person by burrowing into moist areas of the mouth or genitals, causing a painless ulcer known as chancre. However, the early stages of syphillis can be be treated with penicillin, but as it isn’t treated, it can advance in severity and cause dementia, blindness, and death. (Source)
5. Chancroid
Chancroid is a highly-infectious STD caused by the bacterium Haemophilus Ducreyl, that was primarily found in Africa and parts of Asia known for high sexual activity. Although women are still unaware of Chancroid, it should be a form a relief that this STD is still curable.
The first signs of Chancroid appear 3 to 14 days after sexual contact, where bump develops where the bacteria enters the body, which is usually the vagina, rectum, hands, thighs and mouth. The bump is soon filled with pus and then becomes a pailful open sore, and if not treated, the bacteria infects the lymph glands in the groin. The lymph glands may drain continuously, rupture and even be infected with more bacteria.
To protect yourself from these harmful diseases, it is imperative to get yourself checked with a blood test or Pap Smear. Remember to follow practice safe sex with the help of protection.
