When the Dirty Gets Dirty

Warning: photos and content deemed for mature audiences only.  

Most people like it when things get a little dirty sometimes.  But what happens when the dirty gets, well... dirty?  The fact is, there are 20 million new cases of STD's (STI's, whatever) every year.  110 million people are currently infected with some form of sexually transmitted disease.  

NOTE: Having an STD makes you more likely to have HIV.  GET TESTED.

So, how do you know?  The most common symptoms of an STD are genital soreness, painful intercourse, open sores or lesions, painful or burning during urination, discharge, redness, itching, bumps, rash, fever, flu like symptoms, swollen lymph nodes and cold sores.  There are about 20 different infections that can be contracted sexually-- vaginally, orally or anally.  The most common include viral herpes (HSV), genital warts, pubic lice (crabs), chlamydia, syphilis, gonorrhea, viral hepatitis, human papillomavirus  (HPV), trichomoniasis, bacterial vaginosis, and HIV.  Some STD's can be treated and cured, usually with penicillin or other strong antibiotic.  Others, the viral variety (warts, herpes, HIV) can only be treated for symptoms.

FACT: Penicillin was an accidental discovery by Alexander Fleming.  1928, London.




What are the best ways to prevent STD's?  Abstinence, which I do not promote, is the best and most effective way.  A close second?  USE A CONDOM.  I don't care if it doesn't feel as good.  It feels a lot better than any of the disease you can get by riding bareback.  45 minutes (I'm generous) is not worth the weeks ... or lifetime of pain and suffering you will have to go through if you contract one of these vial beasts.  No one wants their vagina leaking or to have a flaming penis.  Spend the $3, then go wild.  Protect yourself, no one else will.

Not treating STD's is worse than contracting them in the first place.  Leaving these untreated can lead to more possibility of transmitting to others, infertility, sterility, scarring of reproductive organs, heart disease, brain damage, paralysis, genital ulcers, bacterial and fungal infections and even death.  

Who is most at risk?  People under 25, women (more susceptible than men)... especially young women (more biologically susceptible than older women), IV drug users, frequent social drinkers (diminished inhibitions), those who are under-educated, those who have multiple sex partners (more partners=more chances), and those who trade sex for money or drugs.

REMEMBER: BE SAFE, HAVE FUN and if you find yourself being tested and not just because it's your annual tradition.. reevaluate your habits!


xoxxx-

Julia is a sex enthusiast (talking about it, studying it, taking part in it!) with a B.A. in 

Cultural Anthropology focusing on sex work and sexual taboos. 

She is currently a Master's student in Marriage and Family Therapy 

centering on sex and relationships.

She is a strong advocate for sexual freedom and equality.