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They are Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs), also known
as STIs (sexually transmitted infections). They can be
passed on from one person to another during
sexual contact.
The infections are present in the blood, semen, body fluids
or the pubic area of an infected person. Anyone
can have an STD, old or young, male or female, heterosexual,
homosexual or bisexual, people in monogamous relationships or someone
with more than one sexual partner.
There is no natural immunity to STDs. The more
responsible we are the more safe and protected we feel. So whether
you are sexually active or not, knowing that you are responsible,
well up on sex education
and safe, is empowering. Safe
sex education is now also available in schools in some
European countries, including Ireland and the UK. However it is
still in early stages.
This information provided on the website, is a starting
point to becoming informed about safe sex. It will help
you understand why it's important to use protection to help reduce
the spread of STDs. These infections include HIV,
Chlamydia, Genital Warts, Gonorrhoea, Hepatitis A or B, Herpes I
and II, non-Gonococcal Urethritis, Intestinal Parasites, and Syphilis.
You are at risk of contracting any of these infections
through having sexual contact - vaginal, anal or oral.
Condoms are not 100% effective, however when used correctly can
greatly reduce the risk of a person contracting any infection.
Protecting yourself against HIV
is of special concern as it is INCURABLE. Condoms are used
for birth control and reducing the risk of infection. Other
forms of birth control such as the pill, the progesterone injection,
morning after pill and the cervical cap cannot protect against infection
but when used with a condom will help to prevent infection.
Signs and Symptoms of STDs
Many STDs have no signs or symptoms. People who are infected
may look perfectly healthy. However, if you are sexually active and
notice any of the following conditions, you should contact
an STD clinic immediately or your local GP for their advice.
- Unusual discharge from the penis or vagina
- Pain when passing urine
- Unusual sores or blisters in the genital area
- Itching or irritation in the genital area
- Pain during intercourse
Many of these symptoms may not show up for a number of
weeks or you may not have any of these symptoms but may
still be infected. Chlamydia is one STD that is known as
the silent infection as it may never show symptoms. It is very serious
and could leave a woman infertile.
Go and get a regular check up with an STD clinic. There
is highly trained professional staff in these clinics that will
be confidential and will be non judgemental in their treatment of
you. They also provide counselling and provide a support to people
who find out they have contracted an STD.
STD clinics will not attach details of your check-up to your GPs
records. It is confidential; they can only do this with your permission.
Contact your local GP to find out the location of your nearest clinic.
If pregnant, take precautions. If you have an
STD, learn about the risk to the infant before becoming pregnant.
Ask your provider how to prevent the fetus from becoming infected.
HIV positive women should not breastfeed their infant.
Stay protected by buying
condoms and learning about safe sex online at A1Lovers.com. The
No. 1 online condom shop in the UK, Ireland and Europe.
Free delivery for all Irish UK and EU customers!
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