Site - STD's

Safe sex is great sex!!!

What is an STD or STI?

Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) or Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) are any diseases caused by a pathogen (eg, virus, bacterium, parasite, fungus) that are passed from one person to another primarily through sexual contact. This includes all forms of penetrative sex (oral, vaginal and anal) as well as most forms of foreplay such as genital touching.

Some STDs can be passed through skin-to-skin contact, while others require contact with infected body fluids such as blood, salvia, vaginal secretions or semen. Some STDs can also be passed from mother to child during birth.

Many STDs are known as the ‘Silent Infections’, because you may be infected but not have any symptoms. As you may not be aware whether you or your partner has an STD, it is best to use barrier methods (i.e., condoms and dams) when engaging in sex, and to have regular check-ups at your doctor or family planning clinic.

STDs can be painful and irritating, and if left untreated can cause infertility, poor health, problems in having a healthy baby, and in some cases can lead to cancer and even death.

What types of STDs are there?

There are currently over twenty STDs that have been identified. Every disease has its own cause, signs and symptoms, treatment and specific complications. Condom Shop have produced a short guide to help you learn a little more about the most common STDs out there, and to help prevent you from contracting and passing on these STDs.

It’s important to remember that if you believe that you have an STD you should visit your doctor immediately, especially as most STDs are easily treated.