On A Live Adventure? These Dangers May Come Your Way

Ah, live sex.

Take it from us; if sex were a sweet, it would be the only one that tastes better when wrapped up. Just that we have a couple of millennial who think otherwise, mbu they like to “adventure” their sexuality deeper. As you may know, every adventure may result into danger (the words adventure and danger even rhyme), and one of those dangers could be several Sexually transmitted diseases. By the way, some of them have no cure, and that is not a threat; we are being real. Now while skin-to-skin maybe your preference, these STIs should be at the back of your minds. 

Hepatitis B; I bet you didn’t expect to see this here. Hepatitis B is a very dangerous disease that among other reasons can also be caused through sexual intercourse with someone who already has it. Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver caused by one of many hepatitis viruses. Over 350 million people in the world carry the hepatitis B virus (HBV) and many do not know they have it.

The common symptoms of Hepatitis B include; Fatigue, Mild Fever, Headache, Loss of appetite, vomiting, Stomach pain, Diarrhoea, skin rash, muscle aches, and joint pains among others. Hepatitis B can be prevented among sexually active young people through the use of protection and practicing safe sex.

Syphilis; Passed between sexual partners through skin-to-skin contact during sex, Syphilis still remains an uncommon STI that occurs in stages that starts as a painless sore that increases ones chances of getting HIV. The first stage involves a painless sore on the genitals, rectum or mouth. After the initial sore heals, the second stage is characterised by a rash. Then, there are no symptoms until the final stage which may occur years later. This final stage can result in damage to the brain, nerves, eyes or heart.

Chlamydia; Caused by the bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis, Chlamydia is a very common STI that can be passed between people through unprotected sex (including oral). The bacteria can be found in semen, ejaculate, vaginal/internal genital fluids, and rectal fluids.

Chlamydia’s symptoms could take upto 21 days after sexual contact for them to show, they include;

In women;

• A change in vaginal fluid.

• Bleeding after sex

• Painful periods

• Painful intercourse

In men;

• Painful peeing

• Itchy feeling in the urethra

• Pain/swelling of the balls

Gonorrhoea; Gonorrhoea can be found in the pee hole, vagina/internal genitals, rectum and throat. In rare cases, it can cause an infection in the eyes, skin and joints. It is caused through having unprotected sex including Oral. Be advised that Gonorrhoea infections that occur in the throat have no symptoms.

Gonorrhoea symptoms are not very much different from those of Chlamydia and in some cases, there are no symptoms at all.

Vaginitis; We always warn you about using scented panty liners, soap and whatnot especially around the vagina- this is what you get for not heeding to advice. Vaginitis is an inflammation of the vagina/internal genitals. Vaginitis may be caused by an infection by bacteria, yeast, viruses and protozoa, or a reaction to chemicals or scents, or a reaction to changes in the body’s hormones.

The symptoms vary depending on the cause. The major causes of vaginitis include; scented panty liners, spermicide, soaps, and other perfumed products, allergens including topical anti-fungal agents, semen, and latex douching.

The Symptoms for Vaginitis include; Irritation or itching of the vagina and/or genital areas, Swelling of genital area, change in genital discharge and odour, painful sexual intercourse, and discomfort when urinating

HPV and Genital Warts; Human papillomavirus (HPV) are a group of over 100 types of virus, including more than 40 types that involve the genitals. Three out of four females will have an HPV infection at some time in their lives. This is spread by skin-skin contact during sexual Intercourse.

HPV infection is not serious, does not have any symptoms and will go away on its own without treatment. Because HPV often has no symptoms, it is easy to pass from one person to another without knowing it. Some types of HPV cause bumpy genital warts that do not cause cancer. Other types of HPV are more serious and may cause cancer of the cervix, penis, vulva, anus and throat. Routine Pap tests (every three years) is recommended for people with cervixes to screen for cervical cancer.

HIV and AIDS; This is by far the most commonly known STI today, however, regardless of it being a life threatening disease, many young people still take it for granted even after knowing that it has no cure. Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a virus that attacks the body’s immune system.

HIV is found in semen, blood, breast milk/ chest milk, vaginal/internal genital fluid, and anal fluids. Most people get HIV by having unprotected penetrative sex with someone who has HIV. In rare cases, HIV may be passed during unprotected oral sex.

HIV can be passed when sharing drug equipment, such as syringes, with someone who has HIV. It can also be passed from a pregnant person to their baby during pregnancy, birth, or breast-feeding/ chest-feeding. Medications can be taken during pregnancy to prevent the virus from passing to the baby.

HIV does not live for long outside the body. It cannot be spread by casual contact such as kissing or sharing drinking glasses with someone who has HIV. It’s always advisable to take an HIV test just to be in the clear and to know one’s status.

It’s very important to always have safe sex unless you clearly know your partner’s body or have taken tests as a couple from a qualified medical personnel. STIs, can be dangerous sometimes and that’s not a risk you should be willing to take.