As we discussed in our first section, SAFE SEX is the only feasible type of sex in today’s world, but there’s more.  It is not only important for you to know how to practice safe sex, but it is also important that you know what you could be at risk for if you have sex.
     Gonorrhea, Syphilis, Human Papillomavirus, Scabies and Pubic Lice, HIV, and Hepatitis A and B are the Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD) we will be discussing.  Below, you will learn how the disease is contracted, how common it is, and what the symptoms are.  Here’s something you need to know before we get into the specifics, STD’s aren’t only passed through sex.  STD’s can be passed through kissing, oral sex, and manual sex (hand-to-genitals).  So, what does all this mean?  You need to discuss these issues with your partner before you become serious.  Be open to sharing information about past experiences you’ve had and listen to what your partner has to say.
    And, here are some recommendations about having sex with a new partner from the article, “Sexlessly Transmitted Diseases,” by Laura Gilbert on drdrew.com.

o Use as much protection as you can.  Use a barrier method (like a condom) every time you have sex and even when you engage in oral sex.  For oral sex, you can use a condom (some are available in different flavors) or a dental dam (If a dental dam is not available, a condom can be used once it is slit from bottom to top.  Also, you can improvise with a sheet of plastic wrap.)
o Wash your hands before and after sexual contact.  This action will help reduce the risk of spreading a disease.
o Urinate after sexual contact.  This can help reduce the risk of a bladder infection or a yeast infection.
o Get screened for STD’s every six months if you are having any type of unprotected sexual contact.

Gonorrhea-Most commonly passed through oral sex, there are 325,000 cases of Gonorrhea each year.  The symptoms for this STD are varied.  Sometimes, there are no symptoms.  Other times, there is pain and discharge.  If Gonorrhea goes untreated, it can cause pelvic inflammatory disease, ectopic pregnancies, and conjunctivitis in women and arthritis in men.

Syphilis-Also, commonly passed through oral sex or contact with an open sore, there are 40,000 cases of Syphilis a year.  The most common symptom is an ulcer that may disappear over time, which may be accompanied by a rash.  Syphilis is easily treated.  However, many people incorrectly assume it is gone once their sores have healed.  Syphilis will not go away on its own; and if left untreated, it can kill.

Herpes Simplex-There are 500,000 cases of this STD a year.  It is passed through kissing and oral sex.  The symptoms for Herpes Simplex are painful lesions that may go away and reappear (typically on the mouth and/or genitals).  There are two different strands of this disease.  Usually the oral strand is only passed between partners’ mouths, and the genital strand is passed between genitals.  However, the two can be interchanged when there is oral-genital contact.  This STD is not deadly, but it never goes away.  And, it can be passed even when you don’t have a sore.

Human Papillomavirus-Passed through hand-genital contact, there are also 500,000 to a million cases of this reported each year.  There are 70 different types of HPV, some of which can cause cervical cancer.  Sometimes there are no symptoms to this disease.  Sometimes you will find warts on the genitals or pain.

Scabies and Pubic Lice-These STDs are passed through skin-to-skin contact, and the exact number of cases is not known.  Scabies are pimple-like bumps caused by tiny mites.  They can itch a lot, especially after exercising or at night.  Lice are spread in a similar fashion.  Typically, they are spread through the hair, but they can also be spread through pubic hair, which is known as crabs.  Neither of these diseases is serious, but the itching is enough to never want to experience them again.

HIV-Spread through oral sex, there were 120,000 cases of HIV last year.  Sometimes there are no symptoms to this disease.  Other times, a person will show flu like symptoms within a few weeks of being infected. As you are probably, well aware, HIV can lead to AIDS.  There is no cure for AIDS.

Hepatitis A and B-Most commonly passed through kissing and sometimes oral sex, there are 125,000-250,000 cases of Hepatitis A reported each year and 140,000-320,000 cases of Hepatitis B reported each year.  The symptoms for either disease can be jaundice, fatigue, nausea, or vomiting.  Generally, these STD’s are treatable, but it can sometimes be fatal.  There are vaccines for both Hepatitis A and B.  The Hepatitis A vaccine is recommended for everyone, and the Hepatitis B vaccine is typically recommended for people at a high risk, such as people traveling worldwide and men engaging in sex with men.

If you haven’t decided whether or not sex is right for you, think hard because you could be putting yourself at risk!

Source:  Laura Gilbert, “Sexlessly Transmitted Diseases,” drdrew.com