Despite the many advances in STDs, there are still lots people don’t know about the condition. In this article, you’ll be given in-depth inf ormation about STDs and how you can protect yourself f rom the condition!

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STDs: All Necessary Things for Every Teen & Adult to Learn
STD Tips
Octo ber 10, 2013
Despite the many advances in ST Ds, there are still lots people don’t
know about the condition. In this article, you’ll be given in-depth
inf ormation about ST Ds and how you can protect yourself f rom the
condition!
What is STD? What is STI?
Most people use the term ST D (sexually transmitted disease) and ST I
(sexually transmitted inf ection) interchangeably. Even medical
prof essionals have no problem substituting one f or the other since
essentially; the two terms mean the same thing f or the health of the
patient.
If you want to be circumspect however, the two aren’t exactly the same. T he ST I definition usually ref ers
to an inf ection without necessarily showing signs of a disease. In some cases, inf ected individuals may not
display symptoms but are still contagious and have every possibility of turning into a disease or a f ullblown illness. Some people also def ine ST I as curable while ST D is only treatable.
For the purposes of this article however, the word ST D and ST I will be considered synonymous.
Who Are At Risk?
Obviously, ST Ds are obtained through sexual contact, but this actually depends on the kind of ST D we’re
talking about. Some diseases are transmitted through exchange of bodily f luids while others require mere
contact with the inf ected area.
People who are most at risk of getting ST D are those who are sexually active and have multiple partners
within a short period of time. Individuals who f ail to protect themselves through condoms are also more
likely to get the condition, especially if they are not monogamous. Note that genital contact is not the only
way you can be exposed to ST Ds. Oral sex also carries a certain risk and is the case of pubic lice, simple
genital contact or using the beddings of an inf ected person can cause transf erence.
T he most dreaded ST D today is AIDS, which is considered to be a death sentence. T hey are perf ectly
treatable nowadays however with constant research creating better lives f or HIV/AIDS patients. For this
type of ST D, blood transf usion as well as genital f luid can also cause the transmission of the disease
f rom one person to another.
How to Avoid STD?
By knowing exactly how the condition is transf erred, individuals stand a better chance of lowering their
risks. Following are some tips on how to avoid this condition:
Monogamy or having one sexual partner at a time, pref erably between long periods of time.
T he use of latex condoms can help prevent the spread of inf ection. Opt f or a water-based lubricant
to minimize transf er.
Be caref ul when choosing sex partners. Although it is not always obvious who has ST D, individuals
who seem to be f reer with their attentions are more likely inf ected.
Know more about ST D and take the time to check f or any symptoms with your sex partner.

2. Be vigilant in watching out f or any symptoms you might have. Sometimes, the best way to deal with
ST D is to catch it early on.
Always be sober prior to sex. Alcohol or any mind altering substance can make individuals careless
when it comes to protection.
Signs and Symptoms of STD
Obviously, the symptoms of ST D may vary f rom one specif ic disease to another. Generally however, these
inf ections come with similar symptoms that should alert individuals with their presence. If two or more of
these appear simultaneously on a f requent basis, this might be a good time to visit the doctor.
Skin rash
Painf ul urination
Any unusual growth along the genital area
Discoloration along the genital area
Unnatural penile or vaginal discharge
Non-menstrual bleeding
Itchiness along the genital area
Pain during sex
Sores in the general area of the genitalia including the anus
Weight loss
Night sweats
Diarrhea or loose stool
Testing f or STD
Individuals who are considered “high risk” f or ST D are of ten advised to
have regular checkups to ensure that they are not inf ected. Keep in
mind that inf ected individuals or those carrying the virus can still be
contagious without showing any symptoms. For this reason, medical
prof essionals must be ascertained without a doubt that they are ST Df ree, pref erably once a year.
Blood Test
T he most common method to test f or ST D is through a blood test.
Medical prof essionals will simply take a sample of your blood and run it through a f ull ST D panel. T his will
allow them to pinpoint the specif ic inf ection that you have and recommend treatment f or the condition.
Urine Sample
A urine sample may also be asked f or, depending on the symptoms you have. Individuals who f eel pain
during urination may be required to pee in a cup in order to detect some types of ST D.
Physical Exam
Of course, a physical exam is always part of the ST D test. During this time, doctors will inspect the body
f or any sign of warts, boils, burns and ST D rash. Any vaginal or penile discharge will be swabbed f or
f urther examination.

3. Results of the ST D test can be available in one week or a matter of days, depending on where the
laboratory is located. From here, doctors will recommend the necessary medication to treat or hopef ully
cure the condition permanently. Note that the routine Pap smear does NOT include testing f or ST Ds. You
have to directly ask f or this with your gynecologist.
STD Inf ormation: Types
As already mentioned, there are several types of sexually transmitted disease today. Some of them are
curable while others are only treatable. Following are a portion of known ST Ds today:
Chlamydia
Chlamydia can be caused by bacteria transf erred through oral, genital or anal contact. T he symptoms of
the condition include abdominal pain, f ever and penile/vaginal discharge. If lef t untreated, the inf ection can
cause inf ertility in most people. For women, the bacteria become even more dangerous as it can lead to
pelvic inf lammatory disease. Testing and screening f or Chlamydia is especially important as some people
may not have symptoms yet remain contagious.
Syphilis
T he f irst sign of syphilis is usually a sore along the genital area, typically painless. Although the sores heal
overtime, the bacteria remain in the body and af f ect other major organs involving the lungs, heart, nerves,
eyes and even the brain. Long term syphilis can cause death and should theref ore be screened at least
once a year.
HIV and AIDS
HIV and AIDS are the two most dreaded diagnoses when it comes to sexually transmitted disease. T he
condition comes with numerous symptoms such as rashes, swelling of the lymph nodes, f ever, and
vulnerability to other types of ST D. HIV and AIDS should be screened f or once a year and is of ten treated
through medication.
Gonorrhea
Gonorrhea of ten presents itself through unusual genital discharge. Inf ected individuals may also suf f er
f rom painf ul urination which needs to be checked out immediately. Like Chlamydia, gonorrhea comes with
serious complications especially f or the f emale gender. It can cause pelvic inf lammatory disease and lead to
inf ertility. Pregnant women with the condition run the risk of passing the bacteria to their of f spring,
miscarriage, and ectopic pregnancy. T he inf ection may prove lif e threatening if it spreads to other parts of
the body.
Human Papillomavirus or HPV
T his is the most common type today with studies showing that there are more than 40 types of the virus. It
can be transmitted through genital, oral, and anal contact with an inf ected person. HPV typically presents
itself as a wart along the genitalia or the mouth and throat. It can af f ect both genders and when lef t
untreated, can lead to cervical cancer.
Genit al Herpes
Caused by the Herpes Simplex Virus, genital herpes has two dif f erent strains (HSV 1 and 2) which af f ect
the human population. Both are incurable although there are medications to help with the condition. Some
of the most common symptoms include cold sores along the lips and the genital area. HSV 2 presents
through watery blisters on the genital and anus area, of ten painf ul. In some cases, no symptoms are
present which is why testing should be done at least once a year f or sexually active individuals.

4. Bact erial Vaginosis
T he vagina is of ten a site f or harmless bacteria – but there are times when bad bacteria become part of
the system. If the bad bacteria overcome the number of good bacteria, this can ruin the balance in the
genitalia, causing milky discharge. Women suf f ering f rom the condition are more likely to have HIV,
especially with multiple sex partners. Douching is also another common cause of bacterial vaginosis.
Of course, those are just some of the ST Ds today. Other inf ections include trichomoniasis, viral hepatitis
and crabs. T he typical ST D panel of ten scans f or all of them.
Af ter STD Diagnosis
Af ter a conf irmation of ST D, individuals will be told to f ollow a strict medical regimen to keep the virus in
check. It usually takes several months of constant medicine intake in order to f ully def eat the bacteria. In
some people, lif etime medication is needed as the condition can no longer be cured. During this time,
patients are advised to ref rain f rom sex to stop the spread of the disease. T he use of condoms during
intercourse is also vital.
All Necessary T hings f or Every Teen & Adult to Learn
Hi and thanks f or visiting my blog. I am Emilia W. Crane. As a f uture gynecologist I am very
concerned about increasing level of people inf ected with sexually transmitted diseases and
low level of young people education in this f ield. So, in my blog I am trying to collect all usef ul
inf ormation about prevention, symptoms, testing and treatment of stds. If you f eel anything
should be added to the site or want to get more inf ormation on some topic, please f eel f ree
to contact me via Facebook or Google+.