Over a lifetime, the body can host many different kinds of germs including those that cause sexually transmitted diseases. There are three types of STDs – bacterial, viral, and bugs.

Bacterial STDs are transient which means they will respond to medication and can be kicked out of your system.

However, if they remain untreated they can cause very serious damage. Bacterial STDs include gonorrhea, a bacteria which can cause infertility; heart disease; blindness; damage to the urinary tract; arthritis; damage to an unborn child; chlamydia, which has been implicated as a risk factor for cervical cancer and is a major cause of infertility; syphilis, which can affect the nervous system, cause blindness, deafness, heart disease, insanity and result in the birth of a stillborn or crippled child; and chancroid, which causes genital sores and enlarged lymph nodes.

Viral STDs are permanent. Once you acquire one, it stays in your system forever.

A viral STD will not trouble you as long as it remains dormant, but they do act up every now and then.

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) generally hides in the genital tract, and causes genital warts from time to time over the years. Some strains can lead to cervical cancer.

Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) lives in nerves at the base of the spine and causes painful blisters to form, mostly on the vulva and in the mouth.

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) can also remain in the system but once it manifests itself, it becomes a deadly disease with no cure and limited treatment options.

Tiny bugs called arthropods cause sexually transmitted skin infestations. Using pesticides will easily rid you of them. The two most common are pubic lice, also known as ‘crabs’, and scabies.

Pubic lice attach themselves to the base of pubic hairs where they bite the skin and lay their eggs. Scabies burrow into the skin to lay eggs.

Scabies are much tinier than pubic lice and cannot be seen with the naked eye.

Many people feel that talking about sexual health can be awkward or embarrassing. But there are good reasons that should push you to tell your doctor. Some STDs can cause lasting damage or become more difficult to treat the longer you wait. Enlisting the help of your doctor is the first step in diagnosing and treating any sexually transmitted disease and protecting your sexual health.

The only way to avoid these germs is to abstain completely from any kind of intercourse.

Since this is not a desirable option for most men and women, one can reduce the chance of getting an STD by:

• Having sex with only one uninfected partner who only has sex with you

• Limiting the number of your sexual partners if you do have more than one

• Using latex condoms during any kind of intercourse

• Using spermicides like nonoxynol-9 which can kill some of the germs

• Having regular checkups to make sure you are not infected with an STD that may be asymptomatic

Your doctor or gynaecologist needs to know some personal information about you so that she or he can assess your risk for STDs and decide what tests to order. You will be asked to talk about your sexual history, your current sexual practices and any symptoms you might have.

The good news is that all STDs can be treated or cured.

Those caused by bacteria (such as chlamydia or gonorrhea) can be cured with antibiotics. Those caused by a virus (such as herpes or HPV) cannot be cured, but they can be treated to relieve symptoms. If one is diagnosed with having an STD, it is of vital importance to take the following steps:

• Follow your doctor’s treatment directions

• Ask your doctor about ways to avoid spreading the STD to a partner

• Tell your partner you have an STD. Ask your partner to get tested too

• Avoid sex until both you and your partner have been treated

• Return for follow-up care if your doctor asks you to

Many people are shocked or upset when they learn they have an STD.

But remember, STDs are very common.

Getting one does not mean you are bad or different.

The most important step is to get help, by talking with your doctor and learning what you need to know about how to protect yourself and others.