STD's

Due to the prevalence of sexually transmitted diseases, it is important for all of us to be aware of our own sexual health. However, if you are having difficulty becoming pregnant it is especially important to continuously monitor your sexual health.

Infertility can sometimes be the result of ongoing sexually transmitted infections or diseases. If you plan on trying to become pregnant, get tested for sexually transmitted diseases regularly, in order to prevent further fertility troubles or the spread of the disease.

What are Sexually Transmitted Diseases(STDs)?

Sexually transmitted diseases are infections that are passed from person to person through sexual contact. Many STDs can cause a host of unpleasant side effects, ranging from genital itching to painful intercourse.

Some STDs are very serious and can be life-threatening. Thousands of people are infected with STDs every year, with the highest rate of infections occuring in young men and women between the ages of 15 and 25.

Transmission of STDs

STDs are typically transmitted through sexual intercourse. However, some STDs can be transmitted through other types of sexual contact, or through contact with bodily fluids.

Modes of transmission include: 

  • vaginal intercourse
  • anal intercourse
  • oral intercourse
  • sexual petting, including mutual masturbation
  • contact with lesions or broken skin
  • contact with infected bodily fluids including semen, blood, or urine
  • sharing unprotected sex toys
  • sharing intravenous needles

Types of STDs

There are many different types of STDs. Signs of STDs differ depending upo the type you are infected with.

STDs include:

  • Chlamydia
  • Gonorrhea
  • Syphillis
  • HIV/AIDS
  • Herpes
  • Genital warts
  • Trichomoniasis
  • Hepatitis B
  • Hepatitis C
  • Pubic lice

STD Myths

Since the discovery of STDs, people have been perpetuating all sorts of myths about their transmission and symptoms. These myths arise for many reasons. In some societies there are stigmas surrounding contraction, leading to myths about who can get them and who can't.

Other myths arise out of a lack of information being disseminated about these illnesses.

Here are some myths that you might be familiar with.

  • You must have sexual intercourse to get an STD
  • Certain people can't get STDs
  • If you are clean and well-groomed, you can't get an STD
  • You can easily tell if someone has an STD
  • STDs are easily treatable

 

Table of Contents
1. STDs and infertility
2. How STDs affect fertility
 
 
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