Melissa Wells Psych 1010 Lora Harpster July 21, 2013 AIDS and Other STDs Acquired Immune

Deficiency Syndrome, also known as AIDS is a disease caused by Human Immunodeficiency Virus, also known as HIV. This disease is one of historys worst epidemics, and has killed more than 25 million people worldwide. HIV is transmitted by contact with infected bodily fluids, such as sexual contact or sharing needles. This virus attacks and disables the bodys immune system, which means a persons body is vulnerable to infections and other diseases that their body would normally be able to fight off. Its a devastating disease to say the least, and has left almost an entire generation of children in Africa without parents because the disease runs rampant. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, male-to-male sexual contact is the leading cause of AIDS, but there are many other ways it can be transmitted. Although it isnt as common, the disease is also passed on during heterosexual contact, it isnt strictly limited to homosexuality. A person can also become infected by sharing needles with an infected person, receiving contaminated blood during a transfusion, or from a mother during birth or breast-feeding. It is also noted that that groups mostly at risk for contracting the disease are racial/ethnic groups, substance abusers, gay and bisexual men, and youth. As stated earlier, sexual contact is the major way that AIDS/HIV are transmitted. There are other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), some that, like AIDS, does not have a cure, and some that do. There are two different types of sexually transmitted diseases, bacterial and viral. Bacterial STDs such as gonorrhea and syphilis are curable with antibiotics. Viral STDs on the other hand, such as genital herpes, viral hepatitis, and genital warts, are treatable, but not curable. Some medications are available to

decrease side effects, but there is no known cure for these diseases. Whether an STD has an available cure or not, both should be cause for concern among sexually active individuals. Many sexually transmitted diseases cause uncomfortable and undesirable side effects, and are better off avoided in the first place. Also, by getting an STD, it can increase risk and susceptibility to HIV. The three most common STDs are Human Papillomavirus (HPV), Gonorrhea, and Chlamydia. HPV can cause genital warts, and can also lead to cervical cancer, which can be lethal for women. Warts can be removed, but because it is a virus, it will remain in the body. Gonorrhea can cause yellowish, thick penile discharge and burning urination in men, and some women have increased vaginal discharge, burning urination, and irregular menstrual bleeding. This disease can be treated with a course of antibiotics. Chlamydia can cause women to have frequent and painful urination, lower abdominal pain and inflammation, and vaginal discharge, but sometimes has no symptoms at all. In men, it can cause similar side effects to gonorrhea, but may also be symptom free. This disease can also be treated by a round of antibiotics. The only sure way to prevent STDs would be to abstain from all sexual activity. Obviously, this isnt very realistic, so there are certain ways that sexually active individuals can protect themselves and lower the risk of infection. One of the steps is to be careful in your choice of sex partners. Basically, get to know the person and their sexual background before engaging in sexual activity with them. Even by doing this you cannot guarantee the person isnt carrying around an STD, so it is wise to follow more than just this step. The second suggestion is to avoid multiple partners, especially ones who have multiple partners themselves. People that have multiple partners may not always be aware that they are carrying a disease, and the chances of them getting one are much higher depending on how many partners they have. You never know who else that person is sleeping with, so its best to avoid those who are known to have many different partners. Communicate your concerns with your partner. If you

are honest and open about your concerns and about the risk of infection, you and your partner can work out the best way to practice safer sex. Avoid sexual contact with anyone with a sore or blister around the genitals. Its a good idea to thoroughly inspect your partners genital area before any contact occurs. Any rashes, blisters, odors, or discharges should be treated as a warning sign of possible infection. Not all infections have obvious signs like these, so other measures are required as well, but this step could help in many cases. Avoid unprotected sexual contact. Along with inspecting your partner and being open and honest with them about your concerns, wearing condoms is a good way to protect yourself. It will not prevent all transmissions of diseases, but it will definitely reduce the risk, along with reducing the risk of pregnancy. Obtain a medical evaluation if you suspect that you may have been exposed to an STD. I think this step is important because if certain infections go untreated they can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease or infertility. It is also important to get regular checkups to detect and treat disorders you may not even be aware you have. As I suggested earlier, especially when interacting with a partner who has had multiple partners, you can contract an infection and not even realize it has happened. Some infections can go without obvious symptoms, but need to be treated so they do not cause the diseases mentioned above or have other serious side effects. The last suggestion, which is my favorite, is when in doubt, dont. It is okay to abstain from sexual activity with someone if you feel it could be potentially harmful or risky. Obviously your safety and the safety of your partner should be your number one priority. Although there are many sexually transmitted diseases, and risks of being infected with one of them, there are precautionary measures you can take to avoid exposure or reduce risk. Its always wise to be well informed, and cautious with your activities, and who you choose to engage in those activities with.

Reflection: In writing this paper, it made me realize just how common STDs are. I hadnt given it much thought for quite a while because my husband and I have been together for almost four years, so I havent had to worry about it. It also makes me worry about some of my nieces and nephews that are getting to the age where they have to worry about this kind of stuff, and its crazy to see all the potential risks there really are out there when engaging in sexual activity. I do think its very important to teach our young ones all about these kinds of topics though, because if we go the abstinence only route, there will be many kids that make unwise decisions because they are uneducated on the subject. Some people and kids are going to participate in sexual activity no matter what they are taught, we might as well teach them to do it safely just in case.

Works Cited
Center for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/risk/index.html Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/statistics/basics/ Nevid, J. Psychology Concepts and Applications.