Tag Archives: sexually transmitted diseases

Practising Safe Sex Using Some of the Popular Ways

A wise guy once said ‘Prevention is better than cure’. In certain matters related to sex, there is little or no scope of cure. Complications such as unwanted pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases are irreversible; the only way of avoiding them is to take preventive measures. Following are some of the ways in which you can minimize the risks involved, if not cure them.

General precautions would make you self aware

First, it is important to consider and accept the fact that risks are involved wherever sex is. That being said, carrying out precautionary steps to avoid unnecessary complications is no rocket science. Begin with constantly educating yourself with regards to your body, its responses towards sexuality and sexual practices among other things. This should make you more aware of yourself and the possible responses that could trigger during the act.

Knowing your menstrual cycle could help you avoid pregnancy

First timers, especially females should keep a track of their menstrual cycle. Knowing the dates of their period should help them trace the days when they are ovulating. This is significant as those two days bear the highest chances of pregnancy. The chances of getting pregnant a week prior to and after the cycle are less; however, this does not mean that the possibility is down to zero.

More logical and specific measures to avoid complications

Using condoms may be a good thing; but it is equally crucial to consider how your body reacts to it. As much as latex condoms show an increased possibility of preventing sexually transmitted infections, they may be unsuitable for those allergic to it. Protection is available in alternative materials such as polyurethane and lambskin; these, however, are relatively less reliable for the purpose.

It is advisable to use female condoms for penetrative vaginal sex as they are aptly effective to prevent pregnancy and STIs.

Unprotected oral sex can have grave consequences. For this purpose, there are dental dams or square condom sheets to prevent the inflow of unwanted fluids such as infected blood from the genitals to the mouth. A dental dam should be used only once for either anal or vaginal sex and never back to back for both.

Treatment of Erectile dysfunction

Hormonal birth control pills are 99% effective, and even better when incorporated into your daily routine. A proper prescription of the same from a trusted gynaecologist would be most advisable. Alternatives to pills are hormonal patches and implants, injections of estrogen or progestin and vaginal hormones. These also show efficacy up to 99% when used properly. 

Sex toys: getting kinky with a hint of hygiene

Sex toys may be the core spice of the entire act. However, repeatedly using them can possibly put you through risk. In other words, any infection, trivial or major, could catch up on you unawares. To avoid this, you will need to consider sterilising them with disinfectants prior to their use. Sex toys need to be clean and dry at all times so you need to ensure a suitable environment for not just their sustenance, but also your well being!

A Guide to Enhanced Sexual Health

Sexuality is an integral part of your life and in particular in your relationship with the opposite sex. Because such relationship issues as love, affection and sexual intimacy determine the strength or weakness of your relationship, it is very necessary that you not only ensure that you have good sexual health but enhance it as well. Whether you are in a marriage relationship or otherwise, you need to take care of your sexual health as one way of preventing impotence.

Impotence is a form of sexual dysfunction. It is actually erectile dysfunction characterized by inability to attain erection necessary for sexual performance. In case of an erection, you do not attain full erection. There are men diagnosed as being impotent in which case they are incapable or can no longer engage in sexual performance as they did before. Although there are several impotent treatment methods, you may not perform sex satisfactorily as you did before.

There are several ways through which you can enhance your sexual health. Some of these include:

Prevention of Diseases

Diseases have the capacity to affect you body to a point that your body organs do not function as is required. There are those diseases that are unique to your reproductive system that must prevent at all costs. This is so because some reproductive system diseases can easily make you impotent if not addressed in good time. Of all diseases that affect the reproductive system, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) or infections are some that can easily cause impotence. They are transmitted through sexual activities involving the penis, vagina, anus and mouth. Some STDs can be transmitted by simply using a towel used by an infected partner. It is therefore very important to prevent development of Diabetes and such STD diseases as human papilloma virus (HPV), Hepatitis B, Gonorrhoea and Syphilis among others.

Exercise

Performing exercises on a regular basis is generally good for your body. Exercising leaves your body muscles toned and eliminates some waste in the body through sweat. Performing Kegel exercises has the positive effect of strengthening your pelvic region and organs therein. This goes a long way in enhancing your sexual health and to degree treat impotent.

Healthy Lifestyle

Impotence can be caused by various diseases and other factors one of which is poor lifestyle. Indeed, most men diagnosed as being impotent have been noted to have lived a poor lifestyle that involves long-term use of hard drugs, cigarette smoking and excess alcohol intake among others. Such poor lifestyle habits introduce into the body dangerous chemicals and other substances that do not only interfere with smooth cell division but hinder smooth function of body organs including sexual health organs.

Healthy Diet

Sticking to a healthy diet provides for a lot of health benefits in your body. A healthy diet composed of whole grains, vegetables and fruits/nuts introduces into your body vital nutrients that your body requires for continued good health. These include minerals, vitamins, amino acids (fatty acids), water and energy. In particular, consuming such food stuffs as red pepper, bananas, onions and tomatoes goes a long way in enhancing your sexual health.

These are just some of the ways you can enhance your sexual health and possibly prevent being diagnosed as being impotent.

Self-Examination Of Genital Organs

Self-examination of genital organs is a simple examination that you can do it on your own in order to determine some symptoms that can indicate presence of sexually transmitted diseases. Of course this doesn’t mean that you can do a diagnosis. What you find doesn’t necessary have to be a sign of some disease, but it is a good sign that you have to visit the doctor and get some advice. Sometimes these signs disappear but this doesn’t mean that you are cured. Keep in mind that if you had sexual intercourse without protection you had sex with all the people that had sex with your partner. Even if you didn’t have sex with anyone it is good to know that sexually transmitted diseases can be transferred without sexual intercourse by touch or blood contact.

Self-examination of male sexual organs begins with examination of the mouth of the urethra on the glans penis. In case you are not circumcised pull the foreskin down. Carefully look the glans and see if there is any redness, bumps, blisters or wounds. After that see if there are any warts (they appear like the warts on other parts of the body). Those who are not healed on time can grow up and start looking like cauliflower creations. If you notice any of these things you should go to your doctor. Furthermore, check your penis to the root and look for the same things that were mentioned previously. When you get to the root, separate the pubic hair and check your skin underneath. For the places that are hard to reach use a mirror. After that gently touch your testicles and see if there is any swelling or soreness. Sexually transmitted diseases can cause sharp pain and burning sensation during urination accompanied with discharge. In these cases you must visit your doctor as soon as possible.

When it comes to women, self-examination starts from the mons pubis down. Using a mirror is very helpful. First of all separate the pubic hair. Carefully look for blisters, redness, lumps and wounds. After that look for any warts that look no different than the warts on the other parts of the body. Ones that are not treated can cause a lot of trouble and that’s why you must visit a doctor if you find any of these signs. After that, examine the fold of the skin around the clitoris. Look if there are any of the signs mentioned before. Continue with the labia and around the mouth of the urethra. Deeper self-examination is not advised. Of course there can be other changes in the vagina that can take place deep in the vagina or in the womb but these areas should be examined by a doctor. Another sign of possible sexually transmitted disease presence could be a vaginal discharge, pain and burning sensation while urinating and a constant feeling of itching. If you are sexually active visiting the doctor should be a regular practice because it is the only way to prevent these diseases.

Open Relationship and Mutual Benefit Relationship

Issues to do with sex and relationship are indeed many to a point that it may seem difficult to understand all the issues involved. While there are relationships where sex is considered a normal feature, there are those relationships where sex is considered not right. This obviously depends on such issues as religion, culture and one’s moral believes among other issues. The best way to understand sex and relationship can however be easily understood by looking at the different types of relationships where sex is “legally” permitted.

Open Relationship

This is the first relationship that everyone establishes. It is a relationship where a young boy and girl who are not related for some unknown reason (although reasons have been given elsewhere) get fond of each other. Although both have nothing in their mind anything to do with sex, they are in the know that they are of the opposite sex. This type of relationship is in most cases established by some (not all) boys and girls in the 6 – 12 age bracket. This type of relationship is usually based on love, fun, trust and connection. However, the element of jealousy is usually evident when another boy or girl enters the picture.

Open relationship is however not limited to children. There are sexually mature teenagers, young adults and adults who are known to establish open relationships devoid of sex. Such is a platonic relationship usually based on fun, emotional connection and sincere attraction without any sexual desires. Like with children, element of jealousy is usually evident when a third party comes into the picture. While some sexually mature adults in this type of relationship end up dating and marrying, some simply let it go.

Mutual Benefit Relationship

This is referred to as mutual benefit relationship for lack of a better name. It is the most common type of relationship established by sexually mature adults. Although similar to open relationship in some respect, sex is usually the force behind mutual benefit relationship. Involved partners may also get involved in other social activities where they participate together.

Mutual benefit type of relationship is one of the most dangerous types of relationships, especially when those involved do not take any precautions. This is so because incidents of unwanted pregnancies due to unprotected sex and sexually transmitted diseases (including AIDS/HIV) infections are usually common. Jealousy and cheating is usually a common feature of this type of relationship. Indeed, most mutual benefit relationships are usually painful experiences with many ending up in serious disagreements.

Dating Relationship

This is what many consider as a serious and responsible relationship because of the likelihood of both partners settling down in marriage. The purpose of dating is usually for each partner to know the other better. A common feature of this type of relationship is going out together on a regular basis. Common outing locations do include theatres, restaurants, open parks and entertainment joints. Those dating are usually those who have made up their mind and need to understand their partners better before marriage proposal. Although some dating partners do endeavour to avoid sex as much as possible, some do indulge in sex.

Marriage Relationship

This is the type of relationship that most of those dating look forward to. This is a long-term relationship full of commitments and responsibilities. Although sex in this type of relationship is a right to both partners, that is normally not the case for most married partners. This is because of the many challenges that most couples experience, challenges that impact negatively on their sex life. However, couples that address their challenges do have a fulfilling sex life.

Although different cultures, religions and individuals at their personal level have different views regarding sex and relationship, there is always a common understanding; sex is sacred and is only permitted in a responsible relationship such as marriage relationship.

The Most Common Sexually Transmitted Disease In Men

Despite enormous progress in understanding and controlling sexually transmitted diseases, they are still present. This is a list of the most common sexually transmitted diseases:

Gonorrhea

This complicated disease is one of the most common in the world and second in the USA. The numbers of reported cases are high and as we know there are lots of people who do not report their diseases so the situation is very serious.

Gonorrhea has distinctive signs like a burning sensation while urinating and purulent discharge at the end on the urination. If it is not treated properly, this disease can lead to epididymitis which affects the testicles and can cause infertility. Gonorrhea in women can lead to other diseases like Chlamydia, which can also cause infertility. Besides that, having gonorrhea can increase the risk of getting HIV.

Antibiotics are the most common treatment of gonorrhea. Unfortunately, gonorrhea mutates and there are various types of this disease and some of them are developing resistance to antibiotics. This makes the treatment more difficult and unpredictable which of course is another reason to be more careful.

Syphilis

Syphilis is a very serious disease that caused a lot of fatalities in the past. Fortunately, with the development of medicine today we have several successful methods to treat syphilis without many problems. The rates of people that are suffering from syphilis is getting lower every year, especially in the developed countries.

However if syphilis is left untreated it can produce serious damages to the brain, cardiovascular system and many other organs in the body. Just like gonorrhea, syphilis increases the risk of infection with HIV.

Chlamydia

According to some statistics there are more than 30 million people around the world that carry Chlamydia. Although this disease is usually more visible in women, men can also have some symptoms like inflammation of the urinary tract, prostate and testicles. Chlamydia can cause a lot more damage in women because untreated Chlamydia infections can lead to inflammatory diseases and even infertility. Thanks to the public awareness, more people are performing tests and treat this disease timely with antibiotics. Antibiotics help reduce the spreading of Chlamydia. Because symptoms are less visible in men, they should take medical examinations more frequently before this infection makes more damage to their health and before they spread this infection to other women and in some cases men.

HPV

HPV can cause cervical cancer in women and colon cancer and prostate cancer in men. There are literally millions of male carriers of this virus that transmit it to their sexual partner without even knowing. Luckily there is a new vaccine that was invented few years ago and that has proven to be very effective. Because it is advised that young girls even at the age of 9 to take this vaccine, this method has caused a lot of controversy.

HIV/AIDS

This is definitely the most lethal sexually transmitted diseases. But thanks to the increased public awareness the number of people infected with these diseases is getting lower in the past few years. Early signs of infection with HIV / AIDS may include symptoms like the ones that appear with flu, fungal infections of the throat and a feeling of inexplicable fatigue. The medicine is able to produce antivirus cocktails that have proven to be very effective in treating of this disease.

Types Of Contraception

Contraception is a method of preventing pregnancy by preventing the fertilized eggs to enter the uterus or preventing the eggs to be fertilized in first place.

There are several types of contraception and choosing the right one depends on several factors including current state of health, convenience and ease of use of contraception, side effects, risk factors and sometimes price. It is best to consult your doctor before you decide to use any kind of contraception.

It is good to remember that you can change the method of contraception any time you want. When you are trying to choose the type of contraception that is best for you take these things into consideration – how often do you have sexual intercourses, do you have a stable relationship, are you ready to make plans when it comes to sexual activity or do you want to use a type of contraception that does not depend on planning. Whatever your choice is you should use it properly in order to have good results.

Birth Control pills

Some birth control pills contain estrogen and progestin (so-called combined pills) while others contain only progestin.

Combined pills prevent ovulation. These pills are taken daily no matter how sexually active the woman is.

Progestin pills prevent pregnancy by thickening the cervical mucus making the eggs unreachable for the sperm. These pills have to be consumed daily just like combined pills.

Hormonal Injections

There are two types of hormonal injections that can be used as contraception.

Injection with progesterone is injected once every three months and prevents pregnancy in three ways: by preventing ovulation, stops the sperm from reaching the egg and prevents implantation of a fertilized egg in the uterus. The method is almost 100 percent effective. It is injected into the muscle in the first five days of menstruation while the rest of the injections are given over a period of three months. Side effects include irregular bleeding, headaches and weight gain.

Injection with progesterone and estrogen is injected once a month. This method is also highly effective. Possible side effects include changes in menstrual cycle and weight gain.

Intrauterine Device (IUD)

This device looks like a plastic box with a floss attached on it and it is inserted into the uterus with the help of a doctor. It prevents the entry of sperm inside the fallopian tubes. After insertion, the copper IUD (small plastic device with copper wrapped around its grounds) can remain in place for up to 10 year. All intrauterine devices must be removed by a doctor. Keep in mind that IUD does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases. Possible side effects include cramps, pelvic inflammatory disease, bleeding and infertility.

Male Condom

The male condom is applied on erected penis before entering the vagina. Male condom creates a physical barrier between the vagina and the penis and prevents pregnancy and diseases.

Female Condom

A female condom is one that you inserted into the vagina instead of penis. It surrounds the penis during the intercourse and serves as protection for vaginal and cervical infections and of course – preventing pregnancy. The female condom can be inserted up to 24 hours before intercourse and can be used only once. The female condom is stronger than the male condom and should not be used together with a male condom.

Prevention And Protective Measures Against Chlamydia

Sexually transmitted diseases, including Chlamydia infection, are transmitted via sexual intercourse. This means that only persons that are sexually active are at risk. The chance to get a sexually transmitted disease is defined by the person’s sexual activity and behavior.

Each individual can protect its own health by avoiding risky sexual intercourses and by using protection (condoms) during those intercourses.

Having sex early in the relationship and huge number of sexual partners during lifetime certainly increase the risk of these diseases and their unpleasant consequences. Sometimes changing the partner means higher risk, because when you have sex with someone new that means that you are having sex with everyone with whom that person has slept before.

So how can we lower the risk? Permanent and mutually faithful relationship between two healthy persons and abstinence from sexual activities are the only two measures that are helpful in the process of protection against sexually transmitted diseases. In other cases, people can protect themselves by avoiding dangerous sexual behavior and by applying condoms during sexual activities.

Primary prevention based on education and behavioral change is the key to prevention and control of sexually transmitted infections, including Chlamydia infections. Changing behavior such as increased use of condoms, delaying the start of sexual life and reducing the number of sexual partners, in response to a campaign to prevent AIDS and sexually transmitted diseases, are associated with reduction of Chlamydia infections and complications.

These are few practical tips that will reduce the risk of sexually transmitted diseases:

–      Always use latex condoms from the very beginning of the sexual intercourse to the end no matter what type of sex are you practicing (anal, vaginal or oral)

–      Before engaging into sex with your new partner, try to estimate how risky he is.

–      If you use lubricant agents try those who are based on water, because those that are based on oil can damage the condom.

–      It is important to prevent any kind of damage on the skin and membranes in the genital area or the anus, which can lead to bleeding. These bleedings can cause entrance of some sexually transmitted diseases including AIDS.

Measures of protection against sexually transmitted diseases are the same measures that can be applied against Chlamydia. In cases where the patient has recovered from Chlamydia it is extremely important for the patient to do everything he or she can to prevent re-infection. Reappearance of Chlamydia increases the risk of infertility. Once again, people who have intercourse are strongly advised to use latex condoms during the whole intercourse.

Regular and proper use of latex condoms is the best method of protection against Chlamydia infections in sexually active persons. Do not forget that the risk of Chlamydia increases with the number of sexual partners. People who are at risk of infection with Chlamydia should consult a doctor and take medical exams to determine if any of the causes of sexually transmitted diseases are present. Risk factors include sexual activity during adolescence, multiple sexual partners, not using condoms and previous infection that can cause some other sexually transmitted disease.

Vaginal Infections

Vaginal infections are one of the most common problems that sexually mature women are faced with. While the symptoms of inflammation are very common, women usually don’t know much about them. Vaginitis, vaginosis and colpitis are different terms that describe the same condition – inflammation of the vagina. The inflammation can be caused by different microorganisms, as well as chemical or physical arousal.

A vagina that is healthy produces secretions that moisturize and maintains it clean in a similar manner to that of salivary gland function in the oral cavity. Vaginal secretion is a normal occurrence in sexually mature women and it is usually clear or a little bit whitish and when it is dried on lingerie it might appear yellow. Appearance of the secretion changes during different phases of the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, changes in diet, emotional stress, taking various medications (including oral contraceptives) or during sexual arousal. The pH of the vagina is acidic and keeps it protected from infections. However, during the different phases of the menstrual cycle the acidity of the vagina is changed and it is lowest just before and during menstruation. It is in this period when most of the infections appear.

Inflammation appears due to changes in the balance between bacteria that is normally found in the vagina of a sexually mature woman and her hormonal changes. The causes that lead to an imbalance may vary: taking different drugs (for example taking antibiotics), contraceptives (both oral and local), emotional stress, sexually transmitted diseases or frequent change of sexual partners.

Vaginal infections can be noticed easily and some of the most common signs of vaginal infections are the following:

–      Change of colors of secretion. It can turn yellow, greenish or a mix of both colors.

–      Extended vaginal secretion with unpleasant smell

–      Burning and itching sensation in the vaginal area

–      Burning sensation during urination

–      Pain and cramps in the lower abdomen

Keep in mind that each symptom should be taken seriously and remember that some infections have no symptoms in the early stage. Do not hesitate to take gynecological examination because the expression of symptoms of inflammation of the vagina is not always in line with the severity of the infection and the possible consequences. Only infections that are timely found can be treated easily. Infections that were not found on time, that are left untreated and/or inadequately treated can spread to other parts of the reproductive system and cause serious damage, such as partial or complete impenetrability of the ovaries. So make sure to make regular visits to a gynecologist in order to keep your health on high level. This is especially important during pregnancy because untreated infection of the vagina can lead to premature birth, low birth weight and other serious complications.

There are few steps that you can make in order to lower the risk of picking up vaginal infections:

–      Wipe the intimate area from the front toward the anus

–      Choose underwear made of cotton

–      Do not wear tight clothing during hot days

–      Use condom and practice safe sex

–      Visit your gynecologist regularly

How to Prevent Sexually Transmitted Diseases

The number of young people that have sexually transmitted diseases is rising every day. For example in the USA more than half of those who suffer from some kind of sexually transmitted disease are young people under the age of 25.

There are more than 20 types of diseases that are transmitted by sexual intercourse and there are much more causes that these diseases occur. Some of them are caused by the virus of the genital wards or the human immunodeficiency virus while others are caused by hepatitis and herpes. Very often these diseases are Chlamydia infections, because they are really easily transmitted and often accompanied by other infections.

When we talk about Chlamydia infections it’s good to know that the incubation period of this infection takes one to three weeks. After this period people that are infected can notice whitish discharge from their genitalia. Sometimes it’s very hard to tell what the symptoms of Chlamydia are and the process of treating this infection can be very difficult.  For example men that have developed Chlamydia infection can have problem with their prostate (inflammation) while women can experience pelvic inflammatory disease which can lead to infertility. Therefore it is necessary to be extremely careful and to react as soon as the infection is noticed. This infection is treated successfully with the usage of antibiotics.

Prevention is extremely important when it comes to sexually transmitted diseases because as you can they are very difficult to treat. Some infections are very difficult to notice because they don’t make some significant changes in their host. That’s why we need to be cautious. Sometimes it takes only one sexual contact for transmission of infection. That’s why prevention is very important. Although there are different types of protection for different types of infections, there are some general rules that can apply for all infections and for all people no matter their age, sex or sexual lifestyle.

Prevention is very important and should begin as early as possible. It means that even before young people make their first sexual contact they need to be familiar with these issues. They need to learn about the causes of sexually transmitted infections and the diseases that they cause and the ways to protect if they occur.

The most efficient method that will give 100% effect is abstention from sexual activity. However this option is not practical and probably not even possible. There are however few things that can help the prevention from these infections:

–      Proper choice of a partner. Having sex with people that you know, trust and love will certainly reduce the risk of infection to minimum.

–      Having sex with complete strangers or almost complete strangers with unknown sexual behavior will raise the risk. People that tend to have such contacts are often carriers of various diseases.

–      Having regular medical exams can prevent the appearance of infections.

–      Using condoms will surely increase the level of security. Condoms can prevent transmission of most of the sexually transmitted infections however people should be careful with infections that are transmitted in other ways.

–      Regular showering can also be very useful.

Remember that even if we have taken all measures for prevention sexually transmitted diseases can still occur. That’s why we need to treat them very seriously.