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STD IQ-How much do you know?Did you know that in the 1960's there were only 2 known sexually transmitted diseases, syphilis and gonorrhea. Today there are over 25 known STD's and unlike the diseases of the 60's not all can cured by a shot of penicillin. Due to the growing number of STD's being discovered each year, they are now being grouped into 2 categories.
Bacterial STD's: These STD's produce a bacterial infection in the body that can cause various symptoms, but some may have no symptoms at all. The most common bacterial STD's are: Bacterial STD's can usually be treated and cured with antibiotics, but any damage already caused by the infection can be permanent. Viral STD's: Did you know that there are STD's that are not curable? Besides HIV and AIDS, there are several STD's that, once they are contracted, are there for a lifetime! While someone may not show symptoms or feel bad, they could have an STD that will remain with them forever. It is important to know that there are long term health risks associated with viral STD's. The most common viral and non-curable STD's are:
HPV (Human Papilloma Virus), also known as Genital Warts
Both of these viral STD's can produce sores, warts, or lesions. If left untreated, these STD's can become stronger and lead to difficulty for women in having children, other health complications, cancer and even death! Most teens, and even some adults, believe that the only way to contract an STD is through vaginal or anal intercourse but the truth is that oral sex and mutual masturbation can also lead to the contracting of STD's. Herpes, which as we mentioned above is incurable, can be contracted in the mouth and even on the fingers! Due to the fact that many STD's will have little or no visible symptoms many people who are engaging in sexual activity may have an STD that they are spreading and not even know it. It is important that anyone who has engaged in any type of sexual activity, outside of a monogamous marriage, get tested for STD's. At least 80% of people who have contracted herpes didn't even know that they had the disease. Having no symptoms does not mean that an STD can't hurt you, or be passed to someone else!
"When you have sex with someone, you are having sex with everyone they have had sex with for the last ten years...and everyone they and their partners have had sex with for the last ten years".
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