Sexual health is a fundamental aspect of overall physical and mental well-being, and yet it is often overlooked or neglected. Taking care of your sexual welbeing is just as important as taking care of your physical and mental health.
HIV and AIDS – Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a sexually transmitted disease that attacks the immune system and if left untreated can cause very serious consequences. It is transmitted through bodily fluids but cannot be transmitted by air, water or saliva as many people falsely assume.
Syphilis is a bacterial infection which often does not display symptoms for many years at which point it starts developing into its more mature stages of the infection and cause more major damage.
Gonorrhoea is after chlamydia one of the more common STDs and it is also a bacteria infection. The two STDs are commonly tested for together in a screening.
Chlamydia is most commonly spread through sex without protection, such as a condom. It can be passed through oral, vaginal or anal sex and even touching of the genitals without penetration. You can become infected with chlamydia on your genitals, throat (oral), the rectum or the eyes.
High-risk behaviour, such as having multiple partners or not using a condom, increases your chances of catching an STD or STI, but you should be aware of the different types of sexually transmitted diseases out there and how to protect yourself
