—Most sexually transmitted diseases are passed through sex, breastfeeding or by swapping infected fluids such as blood
CHLAMYDIA
Chlamydia was first identified in 1907 and is the most common sexually transmitted infection.
About 1 in 10 sexually active young people tested have chlamydia.
Many people do not realise they have chlamydia, due to lack of symptoms, thus it is dubbed the ‘silent epidemic.’The disease cannot live outside the body for very long, thus you cannot catchchlamydia from toilet seats, sharing baths or towels, or using swimming pools.
It can, however, be spread by sharing sex toys, and so if they are shared it is advisable to wash them and cover them with a condom.
Luckily, chlamydia can be easily treated with antibiotics, but if leftuntreated it can cause infertility.
HIV
The spread of HIV is thought to be one of the most destructive pandemics ever. Since its discovery in the 1980s it has killed over 25 million people.
HIV affects the whole body, and is even found in tears, saliva and urine, although the concentration is not actually high enough to spread the infection. HIV is thought to have originated in non-human primates during the early 20th century from around sub-Saharan Africa.
Since then no cure or vaccination has been found, however there have been anecdotal cases of people ‘shaking off’ the virus. None of these cases have been proved beyond doubt.
While these cases may be unusual it still provides hope that a cure may eventually be found.
HERPES
Genital herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus.
The disease can also affect the mouth and nose, thus producing cold sores. Herpes can also be a result of the infection, and appear on the hands as painful sores.
It is also possible to spread herpes by oral sex and close genital contact as you don’t need to have penetrative sex to pass it on. Transmission is also possible via the hand, however
self infection from various body parts is rare.
The virus can remain inactive in the body and during this time it is not infectious.
Deirdre Walsh
Loading ...