Written by Sarah Cachia
STD is not only an acronym for MHSA’s Sexual Health Campaign “STD – Sex, Toys & Dysfunction”, but medically stands for Sexually Transmitted Diseases, which can also be called Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs).
What are STDs?
It’s pretty self-explanatory, they are sexually transmitted diseases, which get transmitted from one person to another when in contact with infected body fluids, including blood and semen, or through contact with infected skin or mucous membranes like mouth sores. Symptoms may vary, however unusual discharge from the penis or vagina can be rather common. Other signs and symptoms include – dyspareunia, changes in urination, bumps or sores. However, some people do not show any signs at all. This is called being asymptomatic.
There are several known types of STDs, and below are some of the common types, according to how they are classified.
- Bacterial: Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, and Syphilis
- Viral: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) and Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
- Parasitic: Trichomoniasis
Fortunately enough, bacterial STDs can be cured with the correct use of antibiotics, especially if treatment begins early enough. On the other hand, viral STDs cannot be cured, but symptoms can be managed with medications, whilst parasitic STDs are treated with topical medicine and pills.
What happens when having sex with someone who has an STD?
Due to the fact that STDs may be asymptomatic, many STDs may go unreported between partners. This means that the infection would unknowingly be transmitted to the significant other.
Although one may be infected, STDs are not necessarily transmitted during every sexual encounter. When receiving treatment, the level of infection in the body fluids would be minimal. As a result, the chance of transmission is also reduced.
In fact, there are various factors that influence the likelihood of transmission of an STD including:
- The type of infection,
- How much of the infection is present in the bodily secretions or blood,
- The duration of the sexual intercourse,
- If broken skin or open sores are present,
- Whether lubricants are used or not, and what type,
- The genders,
- Overall health and immune system,
- The type of sex engaged in; anal, oral, or vaginal, and
- Whether a condom is used or not.
Prevention
Even though it is recommended to use a condom for safe sex, it is known that these do not necessarily protect one from all types of STDs. Other forms of prevention are washing before and after sexual intercourse and getting vaccinated for Hepatitis B.
Stigma with regards to STDs
People with STDs can face quite a bit of stigma from society and as such, may choose not to speak out. This can lead to feelings of guilt, worthlessness, depression, and other mental health problems. The fact that this topic is taboo to this day, causes one having an STD to feel inferior and therefore not be open about it prior to having sex.
Peer pressure is influential especially if knowledge and communication of safe sex practices is minimal whilst sex engagement is high. Thus, awareness with regards to STDs is required in order to eradicate the stigma that is brought about and to inform the public about the consequences brought about.
Getting tested for an STD
One may have the fear of testing positive or how an STD would change their sexual life completely. Whilst STDs may not be deadly, one would rather remain uninformed than face the stigma that STDs bring about.
Locally, the Genitourinary (GU) Clinic provides strictly confidential services for the diagnosis and treatment of Sexually Transmitted Diseases, counselling and testing for HIV, and other genital conditions not necessarily sexually acquired. The GU Clinic may be contacted through +356 2545 7491 (Clinical Direct Line) / +365 2545 7491 (for appointments) or guclinic@gov.mt.
In conclusion, the main aim of safe and healthy sex is that the rights of all persons must be respected, fulfilled, and secured. Thus, it is strongly believed that educating the public with regards to STDs would allow for safer sex and a halt to the stigma.
Check out MHSA’s previous article here!
