The repetitive dire messages about "safe sex" have waned a bit in recent years, compared to the all-out media assault surrounding the explosion of sexually transmitted disease a couple of decades back. But with the message generally off the front pages, does that mean things have gotten safer? Or that you can let your guard down?
The answer is an emphatic NO. In fact, quite the opposite -- sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are more widespread than ever, and are some of the most widespread diseases both in the United States and the world. Statistics show that about 2/3's of all STDs are originally contracted by people younger than 25 years old, but since many STDs have no cure or go undetected for years, age alone is not a predictor of a person's sexual health status. In fact, STDs strike every age group, culture, and people from all walks of life. All it takes is exposure to an STD through sexual contact via the genitals, the mouth (oral), or the rectum (anal).
Your risk goes up if you have more than one sex partner or do not use condoms. Probably that is common knowledge. Yet many people rely on the sworn word of their prospective partner rather than on protecting themselves.
Here's a quick reference list of STDs. Be aware that quite often, there are no signs or symptoms:
* Chlamydia * Genital herpes * Genital warts or human papillomavirus (HPV). Certain high-risk types of HPV can cause cervical cancer in women. * Gonorrhea * Hepatitis B * Syphilis * Trichomoniasis * Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which causes AIDS.
Other infections that may be sexually transmitted include hepatitis A, cytomegalovirus, scabies, pubic lice, molluscum contagiosum, bacterial vaginosis, Mycoplasma genitalium, and possibly hepatitis C.
As if that list isn't scary enough, you should be aware that many of the STDs caused by viruses, such as herpes, can be treated but not cured. Once you contract it, you'll have it for the rest of your life. The bacterial STDs like Chlamydia can be cleared up with antibiotics and other treatments, but that doesn't mean you'll never get it again. You can be re-infected as many times as you are exposed. And a final discouraging word: once you have one STD, such as genital warts, you are at even greater risk of picking up HIV.
But despite these sobering facts, new infection rates are at an all-time high. In fact, studies show that between 12% and 25% of sexually active teen girls test positive for Chlamydia, and as many as 30% to 50% of sexually active teenagers have been infected with the human papillomavirus (HPV), a mostly asymptomatic disease that can cause cancers and reproductive problems later. What can you do?
Genital self-examination Get in the habit of checking the look and feel of your genitals and surrounding tissues at least once a month. It's important to begin doing this now, to determine what's normal for you (everyone's a bit different) and to make sure you'll notice if anything changes.
Stay healthy Obviously, you want to be responsible and avoid coming into contact with disease. Along with using condoms and knowing your partners' sexual history (two definite MUSTs on your stay healthy list) you can also lower your risk of trouble by keeping your immune system strong and overall health excellent. You'll also notice that taking better care of yourself overall creates greater self-respect and less willingness to take chances with your health.
Get regular checkups, keep your weight in check, eat unprocessed foods as much as possible, and make an effort to get any use of drugs or alcohol under control. That includes caffeine, tobacco, OTC drugs - and even if you don't think you have a problem with alcohol or recreational drugs, take a serious look at your lifestyle choices.
Fortify your sexual health by taking supplements designed specifically for keeping your reproductive system in peak condition. While natural supplements won't cure STDs, they may help make you less susceptible to infection, by working to make for a healthier, better-performing sexual YOU. VigRX™ and VigRX Plus™ pills are used by countless men for the benefits to their sexual performance, but many don't know that VigRX™ and VigRX Plus™, as natural herbal formulas, could boost your overall well-being and therefore the proper functioning of your reproductive organs. Semenax™ is another favorite among the top of all male enhancement supplements. View comments and reviews from some of the users of these products at BetterSexMall.com.
Use lube! You know that condoms help prevent the transmission of disease - but did you know that the correct lube can make them even more effective? Here's why: Lack of lubrication can cause condoms to break, thereby leaving you wide open to infections. Also, low lubrication can cause tiny tears in the vagina or rectum during sex, again exposing your bloodstream to STDs. Use lube, but always, always make sure you choose a condom-safe one (petroleum jelly and mineral oil based lubes actually make things worse, since they cause condoms to deteriorate). For even better results, get more from your lube by choosing Maxoderm™ or VigRX Oil™ - both great for slipperiness with the added bonus of making you harder and longer lasting.
Know your healthcare resources Many people - especially young adults -- don't have a regular doctor. Yet any suspicious change to your body or any recent high-risk sexual activity means you must get some professional help from a healthcare provider. Make note of these resources to get information on STD evaluation and treatment; check the phone book, search online or call a nearby hospital for information:
Local health departments that have STD clinics.
Family planning clinics, such as Planned Parenthood (1-800-230-PLAN [1-800-230-7526]).
Free or low-cost clinics for reproductive health care.
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention STD hot line (1-800-227-8922, 1-800-342-2437) or website: http://www.cdc.gov/std.
Prevent spread of disease If you suspect you may have symptoms of an STD: Do not have sexual contact or activity. Not only will you keep from spreading infection to others, but you'll lower the risk of making your infection and symptoms worse.
Women should not douche, since douching changes the normal balance of bacteria in the vagina and may push an infection up into your uterus or fallopian tubes. This could worsen the infection or even cause pelvic inflammatory disease.
See a healthcare professional as soon as possible if you have symptoms. You'll have a better, more informative and helpful appointment if you make exact note of your symptoms, when they started and what your exact sexual history is. Take this info to your appointment, and don't be afraid or ashamed to be asking for help. These folks are right there to help you. They want to lend a hand!
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