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Sexually Transmitted Diseases By prism{HS} Greetings Masters, Sometimes there are subjects that people are hesitant about approaching or that simply don’t cross their minds. There are subjects that by their very personal nature we avoid talking about and often even thinking about. This month’s column, as promised, is about sexually transmitted diseases, otherwise known as STDs . We live in a lifestyle where people can be or have the option to have many partners or be in polygamous relationships. Whether we like it or not, the reality of these types of relationships necessitates a serious look at STDs, their symptoms, and their causes. What is a sexually transmitted disease? A sexually transmitted disease is caused by a virus, parasite, fungus, or bacterium that can be passed from one person to another through intimate or sexual contact. There are nearly 30 STDs in the world. Some can be cured, and some can only be treated. prism will be providing important information about the most common STDs. Please remember that prism is no doctor. If you have a problem you should consult a professional.
Crabs & Scabies Pubic lice (“crabs”) and scabies are tiny parasites or “bugs” that live on the outside of the human body and that cause intense itching. Pubic lice can live on pubic and other coarse body hair. They can be seen by the naked eye or with a magnifying glass and look like tiny crabs. Scabies cannot be seen without a microscope. You won’t know immediately that you have gotten either. Crabs takes 5 to 10 days to make its presence known, while scabies might not cause itching for a month. Adult “crabs” look like whitish flecks, while nits are ovals stuck to the hair, and the skin beneath could be red and scaly. Sky-blue spots which fade to brown are bites and defecation. Scabies are IN the skin, so you’ll see bumps. It is very easy to transmit crabs or scabies by several ways. The most common is by skin-to-skin contact. It’s possible to get crabs from bedding, clothing or toilet seats, but the primary means of becoming infected is through direct sexual contact. Oral sex can transmit crabs to hair on the eyelashes, eyebrows, face, chest, armpits or scalp. An infected adult can pass crabs to children through close contact. Pubic lice and their eggs can be easily destroyed by careful application of non-prescription medications like KWELL or RID. Package directions should be followed carefully to ensure total eradication. Pregnant or breast-feeding women should not use KWELL, nor should KWELL be used on children under the age of 2. Sheets, blankets, towels, clothing, sleeping bags, and other personal articles should be thoroughly washed in hot water or dry cleaned. Rugs, furniture, mattresses and bathrooms should be carefully cleaned and disinfected with a commercial preparation such as RID. It is very possible to pass crabs back and forth, so if you get treated and your partner doesn’t, you may get infested again.
Genital Herpes There are 2 types of herpes simplex viruses (HSV). Type I (HSV I) usually appears as cold sores or fever blisters on the lips, face and mouth. Type II (HSV II) most often involves sores on the genital area. Most people infected with HSV II are not aware of their infection because they never have sores or they may have very mild signs that they don’t notice or mistake for insect bites or a rash. If symptoms do happen right after infection, they can be quite obvious. The first episode is usually manifests 2 weeks after the virus is transmitted, with sores healing in 2-4 weeks. Other primary episode signs and symptoms may be a second outbreak of sores or flu-like symptoms, including fever and swollen glands. Most people diagnosed with a first episode of genital herpes have 4 or 5 symptomatic recurrences a year, most noticeably in the first year following the first episode. There is still no cure for genital herpes. People with herpes need to learn about safer sex practices to reduce the chances of transmitting the infection to a sex partner.
Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) and Genital Warts The Human Papilloma Virus (Pronounced “pap a LOW mah”), or HPV, causes genital warts, which are also known as acuminate warts, condyloma acuminata, verruca acuminata, or venereal warts. HPV is a large family of viruses containing over 60 types. The virus that causes genital warts is not the same as the ones that cause common warts. You can’t get genital warts from the virus that causes common warts. HPV cause genital warts on the mucous membrane of the cervix, on the vulva (outer female genitals), in or around the vagina or penis, on the scrotum (testicles/balls), in or around the anus/rectum, in or around the groin (where the genitals meet the inner thigh), or in the eye or eyelid, nose, mouth or throat (from oral sex transmission). Infection with HPV is the most common sexually transmitted disease in the United States. 50% of sexually active adults have this virus. Most infected with the HPV have no symptoms.
HIV amd AIDS The Human Immunodeficiency Virus is a virus that destroys the cells that fight infection in the human body. When a person has HIV, certain infections that the body could usually fight off lead to much more serious health problems, and even death. HIV is the virus that leads to AIDS, the Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. HIV is transmitted through infected blood, semen, vaginal fluids, and breast milk. It cannot be transmitted by saliva, sweat, urine, or other body fluids. There is no cure for AIDS. AIDS is life threatening.
These are just a few Sexually Transmitted Diseases. The best way to avoid any STDs is to practice safe sex and know your partners well. If you think you have an STD, please contact a professional.
Until next month... Peace, well wishes and Happy Father’s Day Well wishes, prism prism_hs@yahoo.com |
