Sex is
the key ingredient that most companies and advertising agencies are using to
sell their products. And as a result we the viewers (being whatever age we may
be) are the true victims. You turn on the television and the first thing you
see is someone or something being sexually exploited. Daytime TV and talk shows
are long time abusers of this. As a result more and more people are practicing
sex all over the country and the world. And coincidently the ages of these
participants are getting younger and younger. STDs are the at an all time
high.
What are STDs?
STDs are sexually transmitted diseases, formerly called venereal diseases (VD),
which are transmitted by direct sexual contact. Some are considered among the
most serious diseases of the world. Any person who is sexually active or is
thinking about having sexual activity should be familiar with the symptoms, prevention,
and treatment of these diseases. Most forms of STDs may be treated and cured in
the early stages, but putting off treatment can be dangerous.
The germs
that cause sexually transmitted diseases can survive only for a few seconds in
the air, so the diseases are transmitted only by direct body contact. Like most
other diseases we do not know where or when sexually transmitted diseases
started. To add to the list of STDs there is the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) which may lead to Acquired
Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS).
In North
and South America combined, there are estimates that up to 2 million people are
currently infected with the HIV virus. The World Health Organization estimates
that 8-10 million adults and 1 million children worldwide are infected with the
AIDS virus. By the year 2000, 40 million people may be infected with the virus.
More than 90% of these persons will likely reside in the developing countries.
Based on 1989 data, AIDS is the number four cause of death in males ages 15-54.
Other sexually transmitted diseases continue to be a major problem in the
United States also, with more than 12 million new cases occurring every year,
including 4 million cases of Chlamydia and 1.4 million cases of gonorrhea.
Sexually transmitted diseases are particularly important to women, because their
offspring share the same consequences from them, including pelvic
inflammatory disease, infertility,
tubal pregnancy, or HIV.
Any form of
sexual contact in which the sex organs of one person are in direct contact with
the sex organs, mouth, or anus of another can transmit the germs of most STDs,
if they are present. There are many STDs; some of the most common STDs are
Gonorrhea, syphilis, Chlamydia, and genital herpes. We can't forget the ever so
growing HIV virus.
Gonorrhea
is sometimes called "Clap" or "The Drip" in slang. It is
caused by bacteria that can attack the tissues lining the urethra, the cervix
of women, the anus, the throat, or the eyelids. This disease is shared by both men and women. In
terms with the male, symptoms usually develop within a week after sexual
contact with the infected person. The first sign is usually a burning and
itching feeling during urination, and even severe pain. With women the symptoms
are not that easy to detect. In a lot of women, few symptoms are noticed until
the disease has progressed into a serious infection. In the mouth or throat, gonorrhea
germs do not last very long, but they can move around when they are present.
There may be a sore throat or no symptoms at all.
Syphilis,
this infection is caused by a germ known as a "spirochete", a tiny
microscopic organism. Once this has entered the body it begins to multiply. The diseases when untreated have
three stages. 1) Early Syphilis- Within a month or two after contact,
small, reddish, painless, sores appear on skin. This is called chancre. These
can show up in the mouth or anywhere else on the body. Even without treatment
the chancre heals in four to ten weeks. However the germs have moved beyond. 2)
Secondary Syphilis- This probably won't show for several weeks. You will have a
rash over large portions of your body along with a slight fever. 3) Late
Syphilis- If you haven't seen a doctor at this point, the syphilis germs may
infect any part of your body with serious results. Untreated syphilis may
eventually result in death.
Chlamydia,
this microorganism is now the most widespread STD in the United States. Part of
this is because there are no clearly identified dangers until it is too late.
Most all that suffer from this do not develop early symptoms. If they do they
are similar to Gonorrhea. Genital Herpes, this infection has now become one of
the one common and more serious of the STD. Its name comes from the herpes
virus that causes the infection, like the one that causes cold sores around the
mouth. Usually within three weeks after sexual contact with an infected person,
an area on the sex organ starts to itch or burn and eventually blister. Like
cold sore the blisters heal, but the virus stays in the body, and there may be
flare ups again. There are two main dangers for women, one may be cervical
cancer, and in addition the virus can affect babies during the birth process,
leading to serious disease or death.
Hepatitis
B is a viral liver infection often spread through sexual contact. It is
especially common among homosexual males who participate in anal intercourse.
Some symptoms are fever; chills, nausea, and a sick feeling that persist for
many weeks. A new vaccine to prevent the disease is currently being tested, and
may soon be available as a preventive measure.
Gonorrhea,
syphilis, and Chlamydia are easily treated if you see a medical doctor.
Penicillin or other antibiotics are usually prescribed. Because they are caused
by viruses, herpes and hepatitis B are not curable by any medicine, but there
uncomfortable symptoms may be relieved.
Anyone who
suspects the presence of a sexually transmitted disease should seek medical
attention immediately! Simple tests can show whether or not the diseases are
present, and if so, appropriate treatment can be given. Informing partners that
you may have infected them with an STD or that you may have contracted STD from
them is also a part of the responsibility of having sex. STDs including the HIV
virus are increasing at an all time high.
Your best and safest way to protect
yourself would be to not participate in premarital sex. If you do choose to
participate in premarital sex please use protection. There are various methods
of protection out there. And for all those women who blame the men in their
lives for not wearing condom, you have contraceptive methods also.
The Obvious escapes many; will you let it
escape you?
Capt.
Obvious
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