The Threat Of A Sexually Transmitted Disease

A significant proportion of the population may be engaging in unhealthy sexual practices and as much as it involves morality issues, premarital sex, extramarital affairs and promiscuity are prevalent in this age wherein liberty and freedom of choice are emphasized. As early as the teenage years, adolescents may engage in sexual relations although unaware of its ensuing consequences. In the same manner, there are reckless adults who indulge in unhealthy sexual affiliations enjoying the benefits yet choosing to be oblivious to its risks. The greatest threat and consequence of unhealthy sexual practices and all the more becoming prevalent is STD or sexually transmitted disease.

By sexually transmitted disease, it means any infection or disease passed on from one person to another through sexual intercourse or oral sex. A sexually transmitted disease can also be acquired via the shared use of needles by drug users. One in five Americans has a sexually transmitted disease and the risk for contracting such is astoundingly high. Studies conducted by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDCP) indicated that there are 2.8 million of new cases of Chlamydia annually in the United States. Women have the greater tendency of acquiring the sexually transmitted disease Chlamydia and the rate of new cases for women is 3% higher than that of men.

When Chlamydia is left untreated, it can lead to infertility and birth defects. More alarming, though, is the fact that most of those infected with a sexually transmitted disease may be unaware that they are infected. Genital warts or HPV on the other hand is associated with the development of cervical cancer in women. Another sexually transmitted disease, herpes, wherein there is a manifestation of blisters and sores is an incurable skin condition affecting the genitals. There are cases wherein the symptoms of a sexually transmitted disease may not be apparent, yet the person remains infected and can transmit the disease to their partner.

Such is why sexually transmitted disease is becoming all the more prevalent as it can easily be passed on and those who are at a greater risk are individuals having multiple sexual partners. One that remains to be the most frightening being an incurable sexually transmitted disease is HIV and AIDS. With widespread campaigns and propaganda, most are aware of their dangers. AIDS is basically a slow and deliberate death sentence and those infected by it can experience a wretched state of ostracism and discrimination from the society. As much as sexually transmitted disease is prevalent and can be easily acquired, there are basic measures for its prevention.

The foremost means is to get involved in a healthy monogamous relationship wherein sexual and intimate relations are enjoyed to the fullest. The next recourse to avoid a sexually transmitted disease is through abstinence but this may require much discipline and effort. If such is not possible, the best measure would be to use condoms. Both male and female condoms can be effective protection against a sexually transmitted disease most especially when in they are used in combination with a spermicide. Contraceptive measures are in no way capable of warding off a sexually transmitted disease as they are merely for the purpose of preventing pregnancy .

With education, awareness and discipline, an individual can avoid acquiring a sexually transmitted disease thereby not putting themselves and their partner’s health at risk.