Not too long ago, I became aware of a case where a young woman had just had a hysterectomy to remedy the effects of a sexually-transmitted disease. A very unfortunate case, it is also an indication of the impact that STDs can have on our lives: this person’s life has been changed forever. For many people, the most visible sexually-transmitted disease is HIV/AIDS, but anyone who is sexually-active needs to be aware that there are many other bugs just waiting for the opportunity to spread its effects.

The woman in the case above is in her mid-20s and was hit with an infection called HPV, or the Human Papillomavirus. This infection is most often “silent,” having no visible signs or effects. Some studies have suggested that as many as 20-30% of sexually-active people may be carrying HPV; of these, only 1-3% will have visible warts. In many cases, the infection is inactive as the body fights the virus in ways not clearly understood. But that can change. When the infection becomes active, some cervical cells display changes that can be detected with a Pap Smear.

Pelvic inflammatory disease, PID, is an infection that spreads in the organs of the lower body. It is usually spread by having sex with someone who is infected with an STD (usually chlamydia or gonorrhea). PID occurs when bacteria spread from the cervix into the uterus and fallopian tubes. As with HPV, this disease can be present without showing itself. And while any woman can get PID, the risk is higher for those who have previously had the infection, and for younger women.

And now, one mostly for the men: Nongonococcal Urethritis (NGU). This disease is caused by an infection in the urethra after sex with an infected person. Much like PID and other STDs, the big danger is that it can spread and damage various organs.

Gonorrhea. Yes, it is still around, and easily spread, too. Gonorrhea can exist with few or no symptoms. That is, until the infection spreads to damage organs, infect testicles, cause joint, skin or eye problems. Chlamydia, is another of the most common STDs. This one infects both women and men, and again, may be present without announcing itself overtly.

The list of illnesses, infections, diseases and ailments that spread via sexual activity is a lengthy one, but there are many commonalities. For example, symptoms are often absent, but if there are some, they often include burning, itching or pain when passing water, pain during sex, abnormal leaking/fluids. Another common thread: testing can detect each of the STDs and antibiotics will usually be the course of treatment.

Preventing STDs need not be difficult. While the simplest method would be to avoid sex entirely, not everyone makes that choice. Worse, the more partners you have, the better your chances of landing on the STD hit list! Using condoms, either male or female, will reduce the chance of passing on an infection, or receiving it. But no matter how careful you are, regular checkups for sexually-transmitted diseases are crucial.

Whatever your personal approach to sexuality, let us recognize that sex continues to be the delivery vehicle for all sorts of infections, viruses and diseases. Be aware. Be careful. Always.

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Call-out: “The more partners you have, the better your chances of striking the STD hit list!”