Sexually Transmitted Diseases

SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are infectious ldiseases that can be contracted throughd sexual contact (including vaginal and anal intercourse and oral-genital contact) with an infected partner who may or may not show any signs or symptoms. STDs may be caused by bacteria or viruses.

Bacterial infections such gonorrhepa, syphillis, and chlymadia may be cured with antibiotics in the majority of cases.Serious health problems are prevented if these infections are diagnosed and treated early.

Viral infections such as herpes, genital warts , and HIV are much more difficult to treat, and in some cases no cure exists.

There really is no such thing as "safe" sex. The only truly effective way to prevent STDs is abstinence.

“ Common STDs”

Chlamydia

Chlamydia is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs). It is very easy to treat and cure. Up to one in ten sexually active young people are thought to have chlamydia. If left untreated it can cause painful complications and serious health problems such as infertility.

What causes chlamydia?

Chlamydia trachomatis is a bacteria, which is found in the semen and vaginal fluids of men and women who have the infection.

How is chlamydia passed on ?

Chlamydia is usually passed from one person to another during sex. You can become infected with chlamydia if you come into contact with the semen or vaginal fluids of someone who already has the infection.

The bacteria can live inside the cells of the cervix (entrance to the uterus – womb), the urethra (tube where urine comes out), the rectum (back passage) and sometimes the throat and eyes.

The infection is most commonly spread through:

* unprotected vaginal, anal or oral sex

* sharing sex toys if you don’t wash them...