Although it is now common for people to speak their minds and start a conversation, some topics are difficult to talk about. One of these is sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Despite the efforts of many groups to destigmatize discourse on sex and STDs, many people remain uninformed as to what STDs are.
Because of this, it is common for people to go online to learn more about STDs, especially if they think that they are at risk of having one. Many medical services now exist to provide consultation and treatment for STDs through the Internet. This way, they are not only able to avoid the stigma of telling people that they might have an STD; they can also get all the information they need without having to go through much trouble.
Here are some of the most common STDs that afflict people:
HPV
The human papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most common STDs. There are different kinds of HPV, which can lead to different outcomes. For example, some cause various types of cancers, while others can lead to the development of warts on the genitals.
HPV is transmitted through sexual contact with someone who has the virus, but what makes it so deadly is that the symptoms can manifest even years after the act; the person might not even know that he or she is infected. As a result, it is recommended that young people get vaccinated before their teens or practice safe sex.
Genital Herpes
The herpes virus comes in two types: herpes simplex virus type-1 (HSV-1) or type-2 (HSV-2). HSV-1 typically causes what is known as oral herpes, named so as it usually results in blisters or cold sores that develop around the mouth. On the other hand, HSV-2 causes genital herpes, which results in the same blisters or rashes but this time around the genital area.
Although most symptoms of herpes are quite mild and are not life-threatening, the disease can still cause pain and be transmitted to other parts of the body through contact with fluids from the sores. Furthermore, there is no known cure for herpes. However, its impact can be mitigated through certain medications that also make it more difficult to transmit the disease. You can also go online for genital herpes treatment.
Chlamydia
Chlamydia is one of the most common STDs and is usually caused by an infection with the virus known as Chlamydia trachomatis. Although the disease can affect both men and women, the impact is particularly more grave for women. Chlamydial infections in women can result in severe damage to the reproductive system, affecting a woman’s ability to get pregnant. Fortunately, if chlamydia is diagnosed and treated early, a doctor can prescribe medication to stop the infection and reduce further complications.
Sexually transmitted diseases can have far-reaching consequences on the lives of people, especially the youth. Hence, people should be informed and educated about how they are contracted. This way, it will be much easier to reduce the number of infections.
