What is STD?
As
the term says it all, Sexually Transmitted Disease, or STD, refers to a set of
diseases that are mainly acquired through sexual relationships, although
transmissions may happen via non-sexual ways too.
Affecting
millions of people the world over especially among the young and the sexually
active, STD is a much dreaded infection with known cure for only some of the
types but not others. It is a disease plaguing humankind for a long time, with
some variants belonging to the aggressive or even deadly types, such as HIV or
AIDS that was first reported in 1984.
STDs
are typically contracted via sexual contacts through the blood stream, and
through genitalia and other bodily fluids such as semen. However, it can also
be acquired though non-sexual processes such as shared needles or blood
transfusion using blood tainted with the diseases. Even a pregnant woman with
this disease may pass it on to the fetus.
Signs and Symptoms of STDs
STD normally presents itself via a range of signs and symptoms, though not always definitively. These usually show up only in later, more severe stages. Until then, or until when they get diagnosed, those infected with STD may largely be unaware of it and inadvertently pass it on to their sexual partner, or worse, multiple partners. Or they may unknowingly donate their blood, causing harm to innocent blood recipients.
- Burning sensation while urinating
- Bumps and sores in rectal area and genitals or even in mouth
- Painful sex
- Discharge from the penis
- Lower abdominal pain
- Odd and unusual smelling vaginal discharge
- Rash on hand and feet
- Swollen groin, lymph nodes
- Unusual vaginal bleeding
- Loose stool, weight loss and night sweats
- Yellowing of skin or jaundice.
What Is The Cause of STD?
The
common mode of transmission of STD is through unprotected sex, without the use
of barrier contraceptives such as condom. Studies have shown the risk of
contracting STDs goes up the earlier a person starts having sex. The risk
profile gets raised too the more sex partners one has.
Risky
sexual practices aside, ignorance plays a large contributing part too in the
spread of STDs. Many are unaware of the disease transmission mechanism,
especially among the young and sexually active who do not always practice safe sex.
Some are even under the false belief that ordinary birth control measures are
sufficient in preventing STDs.
Types of STDs
There are many types of sexually transmitted diseases and infections. Some are easily curable and some are not. While many who had been infected before were fortunate to have seek treatment and have recovered, there are many still who continue to suffer due to no cure having been found yet for the specific type of disease they have. Some people continue to live with their diseases due to their ignorance about the nature of STDs, and the potential treatment and cure possibly awaiting them if only they would seek help.
- Chlamydia
- Human Papillomavirus or HPV
- Gonorrhea
- Herpes
- HIV or AIDS
***
Note – Full description of each way too lengthy to be included. Suggest include
them as a link elsewhere for further reading up.
Prevention of STDs
Knowing
how STDs get transmitted, the obvious way to avoid contracting the disease is
to avoid sex in the first place. But that is not feasible or practical for a
social person or those in a relationship. However, there are ways to mitigate
and prevent the risk of STD infection.
Abstinence
and Monogamy
While
abstinence from sex is the best, those already in a relationship would do well
to stay monogamous with a trusted partner who is not infected.
Vaccination
Given
the advancement of medical science, certain STDs can be prevented with
vaccines. There currently exist certain vaccines that can be administered prior
to sexual exposure to help prevent infection from some of the diseases. Some of
these preventable STDs via vaccination are human papillomavirus (HPV),
hepatitis A and hepatitis B.
CDC
recommends that children before the age of 11 and 12 be given HPV vaccine, up
to the age of 26., while new-born babies up to one year old can be vaccinated
against hepatitis.
Safe
Sex
Since
STD transmissions can be stopped in its track by avoiding contact with bodily
fluids and semen of possibly high risk sexual partner, a helpful way in
preventing STD and its spread is by using condom during sex, as well as
avoiding high risk sexual practices such as oral or anal sex. Refraining from
having multiple sex partners and exercising care in choosing trusted and
uninfected partner would go a long way too in preventing getting caught with
STD.
Education
Knowledge
is power. Educating your child and love ones on the danger and potentially
life-long implication of STDs, and the ways and means of prevention, should
form the first line of defence. It is by gaining such insight that the young
ones may understand the need to exercise sexual abstinence, or where that is
not possible, at least to know that they can protect themselves through
relevant preventive measures and safe sexual practices.
STD Screening
iMedical
clinic offers private, confidential, and discreet STD consultations. Our clinic
is conveniently located next to Yishun MRT. We offer comprehensive STD
screening at affordable prices, without long waiting times.
STD
Screening Packages
HIV,
Syphilis Screening Package – $25
Herpes
Screening Package – $90
Gonorrhea,
Chlamydia Screening Package – $90
*Normal
consultation charges ($25-$30) apply
*Prices are for indicated services only,
additional tests and medication are chargeable separately