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Wikipedia describes STD as, “sexually transmitted disease (STD) or venereal disease (VD), is an illness that has a significant probability of transmission between humans or animals by means of sexual contact, including vaginal intercourse, oral sex, and anal sex. Increasingly, the term sexually transmitted infection (STI) is used, as it has a broader range of meaning; a person may be infected, and may potentially infect others, without showing signs of disease. Some STIs can also be transmitted via use of an IV drug needle after its use by an infected person, as well as through childbirth or breastfeeding. Sexually transmitted infections have been well known for hundreds of years.” From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
When discussing STD’s one must also look at Safe Sex Practices, as abstinence is the only grarenteeed method of stearing clear of STDs. However; since abstinence is not practical for most of us, I would like to share the following with you:
The following article was taken from Safe, Safer and Unsafe Sex Practices
'Safe' Sexual Activities The only 'absolutely safe' activity when it comes to sex is abstinence (not engaging in sexual activity at all). Activities, such as kissing (with the mouth closed) and hugging are considered 'safe'. Other forms of touching, such as body massage, are considered 'safe' as long as there is no skin to skin contact that involves the genital area and buttocks and no contact with body fluids. 'Safer' Sexual Activities 'Safer', but not entirely 'safe', sexual activities include: self stimulation (masturbation) - While masturbation would normally be considered a 'safe' sexual activity, there is some risk involved for some people: People who have cold sores can spread the Herpes Simplex Type 1 virus from a cold sore around their mouth or nose to their genital area by touching the sore and then the genital area without washing their hands. People who are having their first outbreak of genital herpes (Herpes Simplex Type 2) can spread the virus from their genital area to other parts of their body (e.g. the eye or the fingers) if they touch their genitals and then other parts of the body without washing their hands. It's important to realize, however, that the spread of genital herpes to other parts of the body very rarely (if ever) happens after the first outbreak of genital herpes because the body has had a chance to make enough antibodies (proteins that fight infection) to prevent the infection of new sites. deep kissing - Some types of STD (such as gonorrhea and herpes) can be spread from someone who has an infection involving their mouth or throat to someone else by deep kissing. massage or stimulation of your partner's genitals - These activities are considered 'safer' as long as the hand, vibrator, etc. used to massage or stimulate your partner's genitals does not come into contact with your own genitals before you have washed it thoroughly. delaying sexual activity until you have entered into a long term relationship where both partners are free from STDs, do not have any other sexual partners and do not share intravenous drug equipment with others. having vaginal, anal or oral sex ONLY when a condom is used and ONLY when the condom is used properly (see: Condom Sense). The use of a condom during sexual activities such as vaginal, anal or oral sex can significantly reduce the risk of getting or spreading a sexually transmitted disease. Be aware, however, that the risk is not eliminated completely. While a condom acts as a barrier, preventing germs from passing from one person to another, condoms are only effective if they are used properly and if they are put on before any genital contact has occurred. Even when a condom is used properly, STDs can still be spread if infected areas of skin or mucous membranes come into contact. 'Unsafe' Sexual Activities 'Risky' sexual activities include: anal or vaginal sex without a condom (where you are the person entering or penetrating the other) when you are not in a long term relationship where both partners are free from STDs, do not have any other sexual partners and do not share intravenous drug equipment with others. oral sex without a condom when you are not in a long term relationship where both partners are free from STDs, do not have any other sexual partners and do not share intravenous drug equipment with others. Some types of STD (such as gonorrhea and herpes) can be spread from someone who has an infection involving their mouth or throat to someone else through oral sex. having anal or vaginal sex (even with a condom) if your partner has sores or warts on the genitals or buttocks or an unusual discharge from the penis or vagina. sharing sex toys when you are not in a long term relationship where both partners are free from STDs, do not have any other sexual partners and do not share intravenous drug equipment with others. 'High risk' sexual activities include: anal or vaginal sex without a condom (where you are the person being entered or penetrated) when you are not in a long term relationship where both partners are free from STDs, do not have any other sexual partners and do not share intravenous drug equipment with others. This material is designed for information purposes only. It should not be used in place of medical advice, instruction and/or treatment. If you have specific questions, please consult your doctor or appropriate health care professional. Calgary Health Region - STD Clinic (Dr. Ron Read) / Learning and Development | Reviewed September 2001 Below is a list of additional online resources; but do your own research. Test frequently and talk to your partners. Keep everyone with whom you are involved, informed. In my poly circle we have Yahoo chat conferences about new people in our lives. We send emails about what’s going on and with whom. We go as slow as the slowest person. We love each other enough to keep us all safe. Info on STDs: Center for Disease Control, Information Healthy New Jersey Ask Serolynne, Poly and STDs Your STD Help Symptoms of STDs: SexInfo Mayo Clinic Prevention of STDs: Online Dating Magazine, condoms Online Dating Magazine, Prevention Talking about STDs: Ask Serolynne, The Conversation Sexual Health Buzz Med Help Treatment of STDs: Center of Diease Control, Treatment About.Com, Treatment Living with STDs: CNN Yahoo Health Caitlain’s Corner About.Com, Living with STDs
'Safe' Sexual Activities The only 'absolutely safe' activity when it comes to sex is abstinence (not engaging in sexual activity at all). Activities, such as kissing (with the mouth closed) and hugging are considered 'safe'. Other forms of touching, such as body massage, are considered 'safe' as long as there is no skin to skin contact that involves the genital area and buttocks and no contact with body fluids.
'Safer' Sexual Activities 'Safer', but not entirely 'safe', sexual activities include:
The use of a condom during sexual activities such as vaginal, anal or oral sex can significantly reduce the risk of getting or spreading a sexually transmitted disease. Be aware, however, that the risk is not eliminated completely. While a condom acts as a barrier, preventing germs from passing from one person to another, condoms are only effective if they are used properly and if they are put on before any genital contact has occurred. Even when a condom is used properly, STDs can still be spread if infected areas of skin or mucous membranes come into contact.
'Unsafe' Sexual Activities 'Risky' sexual activities include:
'High risk' sexual activities include: anal or vaginal sex without a condom (where you are the person being entered or penetrated) when you are not in a long term relationship where both partners are free from STDs, do not have any other sexual partners and do not share intravenous drug equipment with others.
Below is a list of additional online resources; but do your own research. Test frequently and talk to your partners. Keep everyone with whom you are involved, informed. In my poly circle we have Yahoo chat conferences about new people in our lives. We send emails about what’s going on and with whom. We go as slow as the slowest person. We love each other enough to keep us all safe.
Info on STDs: Center for Disease Control, Information Healthy New Jersey Ask Serolynne, Poly and STDs Your STD Help
Symptoms of STDs: SexInfo Mayo Clinic
Prevention of STDs: Online Dating Magazine, condoms Online Dating Magazine, Prevention
Talking about STDs: Ask Serolynne, The Conversation Sexual Health Buzz Med Help
Treatment of STDs: Center of Diease Control, Treatment About.Com, Treatment
Living with STDs: CNN Yahoo Health Caitlain’s Corner About.Com, Living with STDs