Sexually Transmitted Disease (STDs)
STD stands for Sexually Transmitted Disease (also referred to as STI or Sexually Transmitted Infection), and can be passed from person to person during sexual activity. The number of people contracting STDs is on the rise every year, especially among guys and girls under 25. If you’ve had unprotected sex (sex without a condom), it’s best that you take a trip to the doctor and get an STD check-up. The BEST way to protect yourself from getting an STD is to use a condom at all times. And yes, you can get an STD from oral sex, so if you are sexually active, play if safe and be sure you use condoms. Your body will thank you for it!
It’s a good idea to be clued up on STDs whether you’re sexually active or not. Knowing your vagina when healthy is important so you can tell when things are not right. Some are just irritating and treatment is quick and easy, but others are much more serious and are not curable.
Explore this site for a rundown on STDs to help you understand what each one is, how you get it and how it can be treated. The info is courtesy of Marie Stopes International, the sexual health experts.
Information on STDs
AIDS and HIV
HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a virus that can really mess up the body’s immune system. The immune system fights diseases. HIV weakens this system and viruses and bacteria that normally present no problem to the immune system can make someone with HIV very sick. AIDS and HIV…
Gonorrhoea
Gonorrhoea is a disease caused by bacteria, which can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and infertility if left undiagnosed. The bacteria usually affects the genitals, but it can also affect the throat, rectum, penis or eyes. You may have heard as gonorrhoea being referred to as ‘the clap’. Gonorrhoea…
Genital warts HPV
You may have heard of warts on your hands. Well, genital warts are similar (in look and annoyance factor!), except that they appear on your genitals. They are a common sexually transmitted infection and consist of small fleshy lumps, which are caused by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). Genital warts…
Syphilis
Syphilis is sexually transmitted infection caused by bacteria. Some people get an ulcer or sore around the genital area or mouth and the sore is usually painless and can be any size or shape. The sore can heal and disappear after a few weeks, but this does not mean that you are cured. Syphilis…
Herpes
Herpes is a virus that, once you get it, will always remain in your body (although it won’t always be active). There are two types of herpes that cause small, painful blisters. Herpes…
Human Papilloma Virus HPV
HPV is not just one virus, it’s a family of virus types, some of which can cause genital warts, as well as other more ‘high risk’ illnesses, one of which is cervical cancer. Human Papilloma Virus…
Chlamydia
Chlamydia is caused by bacteria which can lead to Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) if left untreated. PID affects the pelvic region and can cause infertility in both men and women. You may have heard of chlamydia – it’s the most common STI among young guys and girls in Australia. Chlamydia…
Trichomoniasis
Trichomoniasis affects the vagina, cervix, urethra and bladder in the form of an infection. Many people are not familiar with trichomoniasis, but get reading and guard yourself against this STI. Trichomoniasis…
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B (or Hep B) is a very serious and incurable virus that causes inflammation of the liver. When your liver is malfunctioning you can feel very sick. Hepatitis B…
Public Lice
Pubic lice are small insects that live in pubic and body hair. You might have heard them referred to as ‘crabs’. Pubic Lice…
