STDs and summer period

During the summer period, mostly because of the sunny and warm weather, good mood, new social and sexual contacts with different unknown persons, the number of sexual and skin infections is significantly increased. Some of the most common sexually transmitted diseases include gonorrhea, AIDS, syphilis and Chlamydia.

Rough estimates made after a scientific research on a representative sample in Australia confirms that about 15% of Australian have some sexually transmitted disease and the most vulnerable population are young people aged 16 to 26 years.

Genital warts and Chlamydia most common STDs

Many dermatologists claim that most patients complain about genital warts. Genital warts are soft warts, usually the size of a pin, elongated or cauliflower shaped. They appear on the skin and mucous membrane of the genitals in the area of the anus and sometimes on the mucous membranes of the mouth. They have to be removed by radio waves (high-frequency power) or laser. The treatment can be time-consuming and laborious and the virus that causes genital warts is particularly dangerous for women because it can cause malignant changes in the cervix.  

Doctors appeal especially to young people to take care of their sexual health because what is most dangerous is the fact that many sexually transmitted diseases usually do not show any symptoms. An additional risk is that some sexually transmitted diseases, if not detected and treated on time, can lead to infertility or malignancy. According to the data found at Public Health institutes, the most common genital infection is the one caused by the bacterium called Chlamydia. 

This disease begins to develop a week or two after the sexual intercourse with an infected person and the first symptoms are stinging, itching and burning sensation in the urethra and slightly whitish discharge. Chlamydia is treated with antibiotics. The best prevention is visiting an urologist and gynecologist at least twice a year.

What is even worse is that the hospitals have registered a significant increase in the number of patients with gonorrhea. The symptoms of gonorrhea occur within two or seven days after the person gets infected through sexual intercourse. In women, the symptoms come in the form of whitish and yellowish discharge from the vagina that can also have an unpleasant smell, then a burning sensation or pain during urination, cramps and pain in the lower abdomen.

Symptoms in men are whitish and yellowish discharge from the penis and burning sensation or pain during urination. People should also take syphilis into account. This disease can affect all tissues and all organs in the body. The symptoms of this disease vary and depend on the location of infection, the duration of infection and treatment. Any person can be diagnosed with syphilis. There is no innate or acquired immunity to this disease that can even be fatal if it is not treated.

Doctors suggest that prevention is the most important activity. Most STDs are transmitted by sexual contact without protection. The infected person should visit a doctor (women-gynecologists, men – urologists) as fast as possible. 

HIV – How to lower the risk?

The decisions you make regarding your sexual life control the risk of infection with HIV (and other similar infections). Once you know how HIV is transmitted, it is very important that you can reveal your attitude about what kind of sex you want.

How is HIV infection transmitted through sex?

HIV is a virus that can be found in body fluids of an infected person. These are the fluids that contain sufficient amount of HIV to be transmitted to other persons:

In men:

- semen

- pre-ejaculation ( a transparent fluid that is secreted from the penis when a man is sexually excited).

- blood (as well as anal mucus)

In women:

- milk

- vaginal discharge

- blood (as well as anal mucus)

If during an intercourse, any of these fluids is passed from an infected person to another, there is a great possibility of a transmission of HIV. In order for HIV infection to occur, it is necessary for the infected fluids to enter the bloodstream of another person through the sensitive and thin lining of the penis, vagina or rectum and in some cases through the lining of the mouth and throat. A person cannot become infected through sweat, tears, urine, feces and saliva (spitting).

What is actually safe sex?

Safe sex is a type of sex in which people prevent the transmission of bodily fluids from one person to another. Safe sex is an excellent way to prevent the spread of HIV and a good way to lower the risk of other sexually transmitted infections too.

Penetrative sex is sex where the penis enters the vagina, anus or mouth. In case partners are not using a barrier (condom), they can become infected with HIV. Vaginal and anal sex are the types of penetrative sex that bring the greatest risk of HIV transmission. Oral sex is penetrative sex, but it comes with a significantly lower risk of HIV infection. If you are afraid of infection via the oral cavity, you can always use a condom. In case partners are using an object (sex toy) and this object is used in both partners, this is a type of penetrative sex and it can transmit infected body fluids from one person to another. To prevent this type of transmission of infections, sex toys such as dildos and vibrators should be covered with a new condom every time they are used.

Sex without penetration is also considered to be a form of safe sex. Masturbating with a partner is a clear example of a low-risk non-penetrative sex in which many people enjoy.  

   

It is very difficult to pay attention to safety when people are under the influence of drugs and alcohol. It is much harder to talk about condoms and safe sex once the sexual intercourse has started which is why it is highly recommended to talk about this before sex. It is wrong to assume that based on someone’s years or appearance you can successfully determine whether some person has HIV or not.

Tips for Keeping Boredom Out of your Relationship

Boredom in your sex life may kill your relationship. During the first months of your relationship, sexual encounters are exciting and new. However, time goes by, the partners get accustomed with each other, and the magic wears off. According to relationship experts, it is possible to avoid boredom in your bed.

Louanne Cole Weston, PhD, a board certified sex therapist and a licensed marriage therapist, and Michael Castleman, a health journalist, have provided professional advice on a healthy sexual life.

Make a date for having sex, this is what Castleman suggests. Leave your partner and yourself enough time to relax and have a wonderful time. The expert says it will not kill excitement or spontaneity. There is nothing wrong to make a time schedule for an enjoyable program.

According to Dr. Weston, it is a great thing to have a trusted and loved partner. A meaningful long-term relationship adds to your mental and physical well-being. Sexuality is an effective way to get closer to the deeper layers of your partner’s persona. When the first excitement is over, you should not run to someone else; Dr. Weston says it is a cheap escape. Working on your already existing relationship is more fulfilling in the long run. When reality kicks in and problems arise, you should be willing to solve them. You get back what you put out.

Dr. Weston mentions other reasons why sexual pleasure is fading over time. Probably the couple has a problem called “desire discrepancy”, one partner – usually the male partner – wants to have sex more often than the other one. It is a common problem for married couples or long-time partners; Dr. Weston says it is one of the most frequent reasons when couples turn to sex therapists. As time goes by and women hit their menopause years, they will be less interested in sex. Their desire declines. 

This is because their body produces less estrogen, a female hormone. However, other women may experience more intense desires, since their testosterone levels rise. Each case is different. Therapists cannot just say women to have sex more often – they are looking for a compromise that is acceptable for both partners. Dr. Weston advises male partners to be patient and take the initiative, with plenty of love and care, letting their wives know that they find them attractive. Once they show romantic interest and get some foreplay started, their wives will relax and feel at ease with their advances.

Make sure that your partner feels physically comfortable. Having sex on the floor may sound great in a sexual fantasy, but in reality, it may hurt your partner’s pelvis bones. According to Dr. Weston, a comfortable position counts, for example, a nice, solid table; the woman’s pelvis should rest near the edge.

Dr. Weston says openness and two-sided communication helps a lot. Partners should talk to each other and trust each other. Attitude towards sex also counts. If a woman feels liberated and comfortable with sexuality, she will more likely enjoy her love life.