One of the things we most look forward to on Valentine’s Day is… sex! But making sure you have a great Valentine’s is about more than just chocolates and flowers. Part of having a romantic and steamy Valentine’s Day is good sexual health.
The phrase used by the Division of Public Health and Community Services in the US outlined it perfectly last year when they said: “don’t give your Valentine anything but love.” Too right chaps.
Here are 3 of the most common STIs, some quick-fire details about them and what’s involved when you get tested for each – you’d be surprised just how straightforward it is chaps. Fear not!
Chlamydia
Symptoms: A problematic STI. I mean, yes they are all problematic in their own special way…! But Chlamydia is a particular nuisance. Why? Because most men will experience no symptoms whatsoever. Chlamydia is a smooth operator, so all the more reason to get tested.
Treatment: Chlamydia is super easy to treat and only requires a course of antibiotics. Just make sure you don’t have sex until you’re told you can finish the course. But remember chaps, just because it’s easy to treat, don’t apply the mindset of “oh if it’s easy to treat I’ll just keep having unprotected sex until it poses a problem.” Long term problems like poor sperm quality can and will strike if you let it go untreated or keep getting it. Not to mention you’ll pass it on to an innocent victim!!
Genital herpes
Symptoms: The one good thing about genital warts is that you’ve got a very good chance if not a certain chance of spotting them. One of the more exhibitionist STIs, genital warts manifest themselves in the form of nasty pimples or blisters filled with fluid.
Treatment: Genital herpes actually don’t have a cure, but the symptoms will sometimes clear up on their own. However, don’t use this as a reason not to visit a clinic. If you do have sex with someone whilst you’re still housing those nasty wart-like tenants, you will end up passing them on. To get them to go as soon as possible, see a medical professional, who can give you a cream to apply or an antiviral medicine to take.
Gonorrhoea
Symptoms: AKA the clap. Good old gonorrhoea goes way back to 1879 when the pathogen was discovered by German physician Albert Neisser. But anyway, I digress. Symptoms for men include a thick green or yellow discharge coming from the penis, so it’s fairly easy to identify.
Treatment: You need not be afraid chaps, as this one is a simple swab at the clinic. They’ll take either a discharge sample or more commonly in the case of men, a urine sample.
It might not seem the most romantic thing to be thinking about in the run-up to Valentine’s Day. But chaps, if you do have unprotected sex this February 14th, make sure you pop into your nearest clinic and get tested and Cupid will be sure to love you forever.