SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES OR VENEREAL DISEASES

Venereal diseases or VD's are sexually transmitted diseases, and in just about every case they are highly contagious. Infection normally occurs through sexual contact with another infected person. In this context sexual contact refers to oral, anal and vaginal sex. Most venereal diseases require the exchange of bodily fluids to be contagious, but in some cases skin-to-skin contact is all that it will take.

WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF VENEREAL DISEASES?
Depending on the disease, STDs can be spread with any type of sexual activity. STDs are most often caused by viruses and bacteria.

HOW SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES SPREAD?
One reason STDs spread is because people think they need to have sexual intercourse to become infected. That's wrong. A person can get some STDs, like herpes or genital warts, through skin-to-skin contact with an infected area or sore.

Another myth about STDs is that you can't get them if you have oral or anal sex. That's also wrong because the viruses or bacteria that cause STDs can enter the body through tiny cuts or tears in the mouth and anus, as well as the genitals.

WHEN SHOULD I SEEK MEDICAL ADVICE?
A medical examination may be necessary if a person believes he or she may have an STD or if he or she may have been exposed to someone with an STD. Being seen by a doctor as soon as possible after exposure to an STD is important; these infections can easily spread to others and can have serious complications.