Types of STD's/STI's
STD'sHIV & AIDS
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HOW it is contractedHIV is spread by the direct exchange of body fluids like blood, semen and vaginal fluids, however exchanging saliva can potentially result in infection.
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SymptomsPossible flu-like symptoms shortly after infection, then sometimes no symptoms for many years. Then usually death from an infection due to break-down of immune system.
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TreatmentThere is no cure or vaccination, however some drugs can slow the progress.
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Herpes
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Herpes is spread by direct contact with a herpes sore. Herpes can be associated with a common cold sore.
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Signs and symptoms of herpes include fevers, itching and large pimple-like cold sores on and around the mouth and genital area.
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There is no definitive cure for the disease but the symptoms can be treated with certain medicines.
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Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)
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The Human Papilloma Virus or HPV is spread through general skin contact or contact with an HPV sore.
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HPV can lead to signs of genital warts but usually has no symptoms, but can be detected by an abnormal PAP smear.
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A vaccination can usually protect someone from the disease but it usually clears up in a few years. HPV can also lead to an increased risk of cervical cancer.
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Sti'sGonorrhoea
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Gonorrhoea or "the clap" can be spread by any form of sexual contact including vaginal, anal and oral sex. |
Some infected people can experience no symptoms, however men can experience extreme pain when urinating and thick yellow discharge from the penis. Women also experience similar pain and discharges. Infected people can also become infertile. |
There are no home-remedies or over-the-counter medicines that can effectively treat the clap but a strong course of antibiotics can be effective. |
Syphillis
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Syphillis can be spread by any form of sexual contact including vaginal, anal and oral sex. Any break in skin is also vulnerable to syphillis infection.
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There are three main stages to the infection
Stage 1 - The appearance of a single sore marks the first stage of syphilis. The "chancre is firm, round and painless, it heals after about 6 weeks. Stage 2 - The appearence of one or more rash on the mouth, hands, feet or genital areas. It is usually formed within a few weeks of the chancre dissapearing. Stage 3 - The final stage can occur up to 10 years after infection and finishes with loss of brain function, infection of major organs and sometimes death from these infections or be sent "mad" by brain infection. |
If antibiotics are used in the early stages then it can be treated well however once the final stage is entered there is no cure.
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prevention of Std's/sti's
The condom is the most widely recognised anti-contraceptive and STD/STI preventing device. A male condom is a cylindrical rubber device open at one end and closed at the other, which usually comes rolled up in a small package, abnd is primarily used to prevent unwanted pregnancies or STD’s and STI’s. The condom is most commonly used by the male, by putting it over his erect penis, however female condoms are also available. Female condoms are very similar, except the closed end is inserted into the vagina, with the open end facing out. Water based lubricant not only increases pleasure in sexual intercourse, it also can help prevent condoms from breaking and assists in avoiding vaginal or anal tearing. Also, the most commonly used, latex condoms become deficient if exposed to oil- based lubricant.
DENTAL DAM OR PLASTIC WRAP:
Dental dam is a fine sheet of plastic which prevents the physical contact of skin in oral or anal sex. The sheet is placed over the mouth or the anus before the penis or other sexual structure is placed in.
Dental dam is a fine sheet of plastic which prevents the physical contact of skin in oral or anal sex. The sheet is placed over the mouth or the anus before the penis or other sexual structure is placed in.
MUTUAL SEX MONOGAMY
A much less common way of preventing the contraction of STD’s or STI’s is a mutually sexually monogamous relationship. This means that each involved partner has only had sexually intercourse with the other partner. As long as one of the partners has not contracted an STD or an STI in another way; which is unlikely, it makes it extremely unlikely that one of the partners will contract an STD or an STI.
A much less common way of preventing the contraction of STD’s or STI’s is a mutually sexually monogamous relationship. This means that each involved partner has only had sexually intercourse with the other partner. As long as one of the partners has not contracted an STD or an STI in another way; which is unlikely, it makes it extremely unlikely that one of the partners will contract an STD or an STI.