Sexually transmitted diseases are called so because they are transmitted by engaging in sexual contact,usually sexual intercourse. AIDS and Syphillis can also be spread by contaminated or infected blood while others like the HERPES virus can be transmitted through kissing if you or your partner have mouth sores.

STDs on the other hand cannot be transmitted by using toilet seats,dishes and other objects or by ordinary contact like sharing meals,handshakes,hugs nor  by using the same utensils or gadgets. It cannot also be transmitted by mosquitos or other insects for the simple reason that the organisms that cause these different Sexually Transmitted Diseases cannot survive for even a minute outside the host body.

 Apart from practicing abstinence, the most effective and reliable method is staying monogamous with a partner who is also monogamous. But if you are not in a long standing mutually monogamous relationship please take note of these protective measures:

1. Use latex condoms and a spremicide which uses  NONOXYNOL-9 - These do provide protection against infection and pregnancy. Jellies,creams containing nonoxynol -9 are being rocommended by some medical practitioners as the chemical appears to kill many organisms that cause STDs.

2. Know who your partner is - Its very risky to engage in sexual intercourse with people you have just met or someone who you will have a hard time locating afterwards.

3. Dont have sex with someone who has genital warts or sores - Visible rashes,discharge or any other sign of venereal disease. But then again being observant is not a substitute for knowing your partner.

4. Learn and recognize signs of STDs - knowing how an STD looks or what symptoms they show will be a great help in case you start noticing them on yourself. A lesion,blister,discharge or rash in the genital or anal area is a sure sign that you should be seeking expert medical help.

If you think that you may have been exposed to a sexually transmitted disease, dont have sex again until you see a doctor. If you  are infected, the best recourse is to inform your partner/s and advise them to get medical help too.

Refrain from any form of sexual activity until your doctor tell you that you have been cured and until your partner/s have also sought treatment and have been likewise cleared by their own doctors.

A. Syphillis - Is a becterial infection that is treatable and curable only in its early stages but if left untreated it is chronic and fatal.

Symptoms : Up to 12 weeks after infection, a painless sore appears on the genitals,mouth or elsewhere; lymph nodes may also enlarge. The painless sore or Chancre is more obvious in men but when it occurs in women vaginally it is rarely noticed and it heals without scarring.

At 6 weeks after infection flu like symptoms .fever and rashes may appear, then disappear and then later reappear. Although all of these symptoms may vanish it doesnt that the infection has gone away.

B. Gonorrhea - Is a bacterial infection that may not have immediately visible symptoms and it is also chronic an a very progressive disease. If left untreated, can result in physical disability and infertility. Spread through direct contact with infected mucous membranes in the genital,anal, mouth and throat areas. If left untreated can lead to arthritis,skin sores,heart or brain infections and infertility in both men and women.

Syptoms : Are noticable within 2 - 10 days after infection

 1. Painful urination

 2. Vaginal or Penile discharge

 3. Sore throat ( if contracted through oral sex)

 4. Rectal pain and discharge (if contracted through anal sex)

C. Chlamydia : Is a bacterial infection and is thought to be the most common curable sexually transmitted disease today.Like any other STD it is spread thru contact with infected mucous membranes and chlamedia can occur simultaneously with gonorrhea. Infection in women can lead to Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) which leads to ectopic pregnancy or sterility.

Symptoms ; Are similar to gonorrhea and within 21 days abdominal pain and urethral itching  also occurs.