It's Not Just HIV
Hi Steemians,
Let's inform ourselves a little about our sexual health. Do you know that engaging in unprotected sexual intercourse exposes you to a lot of diseases and viruses asides HIV? Have you heard of Human Papillomavirus ? What about Hepatitis B? I know most of us are aware of the common STIs/ STDs.
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a virus that is passed via skin-to-skin through sexual intercourse or other forms of skin-to-skin contact of the genitals.It is the most common sexually transmitted infection. Most sexually active men and women are exposed to the virus at one point or the other during their lifetime. It can be spread through oral, vaginal or anal sex. HPV results in genital warts and some types of cancer; cervical cancer in women. HPV HAS NO CURE but its symptoms can be treated.
Prevention
Safe and effective vaccinations recommended at age 11 to 12 years to reduce the risk of cervical and other cancers developing in future.
Test for HPV
Tests to check for HPV or HPV-related cervical cellular changes include a Pap smear, a DNA test and the use of acetic acid (vinegar) for women.
There is currently no test available for men to check for HPV; diagnosis is made primarily through visual inspection.
Hepatis B (HBV) is 50 to 100 times easily transmissible through sexual intercourse than HIV( the virus that causes AIDS). HBV has been found in vaginal secretions, saliva and semen. This implies that if you engage in oral sex or anal sex, you are at risk of contacting HBV.
Symptoms
Some people especially young children may not have any symptom. The symptoms ranges from mild to severe and usually appears from about one to four months after the person has been infected. The symptoms include;
Fever
Jaundice (Yellowing of your skin and the whitish part of your eyes)
Joint pain
Nausea and vomiting
Weakness and Fatigue
Dark urine
Abdominal pain
Loss of appetite
Complications
Chronic HBV infection can also lead to serious complications such as;
Liver cancer
Liver failure
Scarring of the liver (cirrhosis)
People with chronic HBV may develop kidney disease
Prevention
HBV vaccines are available and is typically given as three or four injections over six months.
General prevention measures from all forms of sexually Transmitted Infections / Diseases include;
Practicing SAFE SEX
Practicing ABSTINENCE (most effective)
Being in a monogamous sexual relationship
Not having sex while there are visible genital warts
Be cautious about body piercing and tattooing
Use a new latex or polyurethane condom every time you have sex; even oral sex
You and your partner should get tested for HIV, HPV and HBV
Don't use illegal drug (or ensure use of sterile needles while injecting the illegal drug)
PLAY SAFE ALWAYS