The Human Edition 1 | Page 5

There are many different kinds of sexually transmitted diseases and infections. Some being curable, some being lifelong. Some infections that are curable are:

Chlamydia - caused by bacteria that commonly infects the genitals, anus and throat and is spread through contact with infected semen or vaginal fluids.

Genital Lice - more commonly known as “crabs”, caused by the genital parasite that transfers from the genital hair of one partner to another and lays eggs which hatch in 5 - 10 days. It is spread through skin-to-skin contact and protected and unprotected vaginal sex.

Gonorrhea - caused by bacteria that commonly infects the genitals, anus and throat and is spread through contact with infected semen or vaginal fluids.

As you can see these diseases can be caught very easily and although these are curable, there are also diseases that can be easy to catch that are incurable meaning you are stuck with them for life. Some incurable diseases are:

AIDS - caused by the HIV virus that invades the immune system. It is spread mainly by unprotected sex, needle sharing, and maternal transfer.

Genital Herpes - caused by Herpes Simplex Virus with ulcerating blister occurring on the genitals or anal area. This disease can also be spread to the mouth.

Genital Warts - caused by Human papilloma Virus and occur on or in the genitals and anus. This disease is also associated with cancer.

These incurable diseases, like the curable diseases, are extremely easy to catch and can only be prevented by practicing one thing, ABSTINENCE.

Non-discriminatory against race, gender, and sexual orientation, sexually transmitted diseases and infections (STD’s & STI’s) are some of the most common afflictions in the United States today. More than 20 STD’s have been identified, and they affect an estimated 19 million men and women in this country each year.

Some people think that you can’t receive an STD from oral or anal sex, but that statement is very false because the bacteria or virus can enter the human body from various tiny tears and cuts in the mouth, in or around the anus, and even on the genitals. Although STD’s are sexually transmitted, meaning it is obtained by sexual intercourse, that is not the only way you can get receive an STD. Certain STD’s can also be transmitted by skin-to-skin contact with an infected area or sore. Some of the diseases that are spread can be cured, but most of them are lifelong.

Some people may say that it is totally safe to have sex as long as you use a condom, but as you can see some of the diseases above are still spread even though protection is used. Although condoms can reduce the risk of STD’s, they do not eliminate it. There are many things that can go wrong while wearing a condom. For instance, a condom can break if: it is old, not stored properly, it is too small, there is not enough lubrication or the correct lubrication is not used, or if your partner is too tight; It can also slip off if it is too big or if the penis losses its erection. Lastly, if you do not use the correct type of condom, the infection can still be spread. When used correctly, latex condoms are the most effective in preventing the spread of STDs and polyurethane condoms provide some protection, although not as much as latex. The condoms that should not be used are natural or lambskin condoms due to the larger holes, or “pores” that allow small particles to pass through. Female condoms should also not be used because they do not provide as much protection as male condoms, therefore, the only way to stay safe STDs is to practice safe sex with a latex condom or, even better, abstain from sex.

THIS IS A PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT:

Pleasureable Death

By: Desiree Davila