Greetings chaps – I hope this piece finds you well during what are still, quite discombobulating times. Whilst lockdown has curbed the transmission of STis somewhat, putting a barrier in place for many people where sex is concerned, it’s still important to know what the consequences of getting an STI are.
I myself believe there isn’t enough education around what these pesky diseases to do us humans and if there were, perhaps we’d be more vigilant with our little chaps between the sheets!
Without further ado, let’s take a look.
Chlamydia
It’s commonly known that chlamydia is a disease that often presents with no symptoms; half of men who are infected won’t be aware they have it without a test.
It can be easy to have a bit of a laugh and a joke if a chum has contracted the disease and all you want to do is have a bit of a poke at him down the pub.
But in reality, chlamydia is no laughing matter as it can end up causing infertility in the long-term, as well as unpleasant symptoms like testicular pain and pain when passing urine.
So instead of mocking your mates, think about making them aware of the facts and play the part of a supportive mate.
Gonorrhoea
It’s a pretty ugly-sounding name isn’t it, ‘gonorrhoea’?! Well, the symptoms are just as horrible and just like our friend chlamydia, it won’t always make its presence known (which is why regular STI testing is so important lads)!
I know I bang on about it all the time but it’s true. Contracting gonorrhoea and failing to act can lead to an infection of the testicles which can eventually make you infertile.
What’s more, having this disease can increase the risk of HIV transmission in people of both genders.
HPV
Whilst women are more likely to suffer lasting consequences when they contract the HPV virus, it’s a common misconception that this virus only affects females.
Men who have weak immune systems (such as those who have HIV) and become infected are more likely to develop HPV-related health complications, as are those who regularly receive anal sex.
Fortunately, there is a vaccine available here in the U.K, offered to protect against HPV, that’s offered to boys and girls aged 12 to 13. If you haven’t already had it and are aged over 26, the NHS recommends you do.
One of the other (less serious and simply more bothersome complications of HPV) is some people can develop genital warts.
Whilst there aren’t normally any long-term health problems associated with this condition, it can affect your confidence between the sheets and potentially put off new flames!
Syphilis
It might astound you to read that cases of syphilis (considered a disease of the past) in the U.K are at their highest since WWII.
It’s thought that the increase (which is predominantly amongst gay and bisexual men) is due to changes in sexual behaviour, such as the ‘chemsex’ trend – where people take drugs such as crystal meth and become less aware of potential risks from failing to use protection.
A bacterial infection, syphilis is a bacterial infection that’s treated with antibiotics, though if nothing is done it can spread to the brain and cause fatalities. Symptoms include fatigue, joint pain, high temperature, rashes and sores on the genital and mouth – enough to keep you off your feet until it’s treated.
Avoiding these symptoms and consequences is super easy lads and chappie has the secret… Simply use protection and get tested often, especially after being with new partners!
Until next time!