Originally shared on pluse.ng by Onna Okafor

Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) are undoubtedly every sexually active adult’s worst nightmare.

The potential health risk they pose, not to mention the ‘stigma’ associated with them are high up on the list why sexually active adults are urged to take precaution in matters of the bedroom.

But despite the many warnings, many still fall victim to STDs, which really shouldn’t be the case.

Apart from HIV, there are several other sexually transmitted diseases such as gonorrhea, syphilis, herpes amongst other STDs which could have equally damaging health consequences.

On this note, here are 5 things you should know about STDs and why every sexually active adult should exercise caution, particularly if one has multiple sexual partners.

 

1. STDs can be transmitted through oral sex: Before engaging in a little game of fellatio or cunnilingus, you may want to confirm that your partner is 100% safe as STDs can be transmitted via oral sex. Gonorrhea, syphilis, herpes, and hepatitis B are just some of the STDs most likely to be transmitted via oral sex. In the event when a person’s health status can’t be confirmed, the American Sexual Health Association says that wearing  a condom or dental dam to cover the anus or female genitals during oral sex acts can act as a barrier to help prevent STDs.

 

2. You can get STDs in your eyes: Yes people, with just a mere glance, the world can tell what you’ve been up to. According to MSN, STDs  can also affect the eyes. Chlamydia and gonorrhea can infect the eye tissue if you touch parts of the body with your fingers that contain traces of the disease. These STDs are bodily fluids and can also get in the throat, mouth, and anus.

  

3. HIV can be gotten from tattoos and body piercings: We’ve heard this for the longest time but how many of us actually take the time to ensure that all sharp instruments used in beauty salons or even hospitals are well sterilised?

 

4. STDs can lead to infertility: Incase the first 4 points didn’t drive home the importance of self-protection in matters of sexual relations, then this probably would. Untreated chlamydia and gonorrhea could lead women to suffer a fallopian tube infection without any symptoms, which can lead to infertility.  certain high-risk types of human papillomavirus (HPV) can cause cervical cancer in women while the HPV infection can lead to the development of penile cancers in men. Cancers of the mouth, throat, and anus can occur for both sexes.

 

5. Some STDs are incurable: Talk about a preventable health burden. Bacterial STDs such as chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis can be cured through antibiotics. However, viral STDs like herpes, hepatitis B, HIV, HPV, and genital warts are incurable, but can be managed with appropriate treatment.