I've been watching a few cams recently and am surprised by the lack of use of condoms I have seen in group situations in particular - each to their own and all that jazz but here's a stark reminder of all the nasty little germs, viruses, bacterial infections that we run the risk of catching whilst engaging in unprotected sex ;)
I borrowed this from another SH Forum Post ;)
What is an STI?
An STI (formerly called an STD) is an infection that can be passed from one person to another through sexual intercourse (vaginal, anal or oral). What types of STIs are there?
The most common STIs are as follows :
Chlamydia
Chlamydia is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections. If left untreated, it can cause pelvic inflammatory disease (P.I.D.) in women which can result in infertility, chronic pelvic pain and ectopic pregnancies. It is known as the 'silent disease' as up to 75% of women and 50% of men can have no symptoms at all. Common symptoms include abnormal vaginal discharge, pain on passing urine, pelvic pain, pain during intercourse, irregular vaginal bleeding. Testing can be done on a urine sample or by taking a swab from the cervix and it is easily treatable with antibiotics.
Anogenital Warts
Warts are a very common sexually transmitted infection. They present usually as non- painful lumps anywhere on the genital area and are caused by the HPV virus. This virus can live in the body for many years and people can carry the virus and not know it. Different strains of the virus can cause either external warts or cervical cancer/pre-cancerous cells. Although there is no cure for HPV, there are treatments for external warts including cryotherapy ('freezing treatment')
Gonorrhoea
Gonorrhoea is a bacterial infection in the genital area which can cause vaginal discharge, pelvic pain, penile discharge or pain on passing urine. Like Chlamydia, it can have no symptoms at all and cause pelvic inflammatory disease (P.I.D.) which in turn can lead to infertility, chronic pelvic pain and infertility. Testing can be done on a urine sample or by taking a swab. If diagnosed, it ican be cured with antibiotics but is becoming increasingly resistant to treatment.
Genital Herpes
Genital herpes is a viral infection which is easily transmitted from person to person. It is caused by the herpes simplex virus which can live around the lips or mouth causing 'cold-sores', or in the genital area causing genital herpes. It causes ulcerated, often painful lesions/blisters around the genital area. Diagnosis is made by visual inspection or by taking a swab. There is no cure for genital herpes but out-breaks can be treated with anti-viral medications.
H.I.V. (Human Immunodeficiency Virus)
H.I.V. is a virus that can cause Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (A.I.D.S.). It can be transmitted by sexual intercourse and stays in the body for life, attacking your immune system so that you are unable to fight infections. It is diagnosed by a blood test and requires life-long treatment and monitoring.
Syphilis
Syphilis is transmitted by direct contact with a syphilis sore or lesion and is caused by the bacterium treponema pallidum. Ulcers can be found in the genital area and also in the mouth/around the lips. There are 3 stages of the disease and it develops over years. If treated with antibiotics in the early stage it can be cured. It is diagnosed on a simple blood test but if left untreated, it can spread in the bloodstream and cause many problems in different parts of the body.
Trichomoniasis
Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted infection that can cause vaginal discharge in women and discharge from the penis in men. It is often without symptoms but can be passed from person to person during sexual contact. It is easily treatable with antibiotics.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a viral infection that can be transmitted by sexual intercourse and can cause inflammation of the liver. It can also be transmitted by sharing needles for drug use, from a mother to her baby and from tattoos with unsterilised tools. It usually has no symptoms but can cause serious liver disease. Diagnosis is by a blood test.
Pubic Lice
Pubic lice are tiny insects that live on the hair in the pubic area. They attach strongly to the hair and are not removed by normal washing or brushing. The main symptom is itch and they can be passed on by close genital contact. Treatment is with a specialized cream or lotion.
Some infections in the genital area are not classed as STIs –
Thrush
Molluscum Contagiosum
Scabies
Bacterial Vaginosis
Please feel free to correct any of the above
Be a Clever Dick - use protection :rascal: