How much do you know about sexually transmitted diseases ?

When we talk about love and passion, there are other important factors that couples should think about, including STDs, especially AIDS.

In Thailand, (as in the rest of the world) not only AIDS, but other sexually transmitted diseases are now serious health problems.

According to the statistics, we have found that the numbers of teenagers infected by these diseases has increased. This is because some teenagers are having a sexual relationship without giving any attention to the methods of preventing the spread of sexual diseases. Please always remember that these diseases can be found at any age by any sex and some of the diseases do not produce symptoms immediately after the infection. Promiscuity increases the chances of infection, and unsuspected infections can be passed on between mother and child.

Types of sexual transmitted diseases (STDs)

• HIV or AIDS: found in 1981. This disease is caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) which can destroy defense cells in the body. It is still a disease for which there are no 100 percent effective treatments and there is no vaccine to produce immunity.
• Gonorrhea: this disease is caused by a bacterium which can give the patients a burning sensation when they urinate if it is left untreated, the infection may become more severe and move in to the abdomen and may lead to infertility.
• Genital warts (HPV) are located near the genital areas. These can be treated by removal by chemical or laser.
• Genital herpes is caused by a virus which can produce a burning sensation around the groin, the anus or the genitals. There are also painful and itchy sores. If it is treated, the symptoms can be alleviated within a few weeks; however, the virus still remains in the cells and may become active if one’s health becomes poor.
• Hepatitis virus: it is a liver disease caused by a virus in the blood and other bodily fluids. It damages the liver cells of the infected person. If it is left untreated, it may produce liver cirrhosis or even liver cancer.

Other diseases include syphilis and pubic lice (“the crabs”) and are also serious diseases, all of which are transmitted by sexual intercourse occurring without protection.

We have many ways to prevent the spread of these sexually transmitted diseases, including not changing partners, always using condoms, not having sex with persons you do not know and always having an annual medical checkup even if you believe you are not infected. Couples should also have a health check before their marriage.