Defining the Complexities of Sexual Health

The youth of today enjoy much freedom when it comes to self-expression as compared to the old days when parents decide for their children even to the point of choosing their lifetime partners. Although some families remained conservative and traditional, the rest of society adapts to a fast-paced lifestyle where convention is out of the the rule and individuality is the name of the game.
In this sexually-permissive culture, it is important to consider what lies ahead for you and for your loved ones, and how you can protect each other from getting Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD).
Awareness of sexual health issues is very important. More than just the absence of the disease or its dysfunction and infirmities, it is also a state of physical, emotional, psychological and social well-being with regards to one's sexuality. Addressing sexual health issues involves a complex web of factors such as attitude, behavior, genes, environment, and economy.
Sexual health also deals with problems such as STD, HIV, pregnancy, abortion, infertility, cancer, and a wide range of sexual dysfunctions. Those who are in a relationship must not automatically consider an infected partner as being unfaithful. One must learn to practice a positive and respectful approach to sexuality and sexual relationships and this can be achieved if the sexual rights of every individual is respected and protected.
Do not be deceived by mere appearances. Even the healthiest-looking person can be infected by STD. It's not easy to tell if the person beside you has STD, or other illnesses for that matter, just by the way that person looks and acts. There are STDs that do not show any obvious signs. Symptoms can be very subtle that the person infected may not even know it. It is very important that aside from your regular health check-up, you should also take special attention in knowing your own body especially when you are healthy. So that if any changes take place such as skin infections or sores, as well as any unusual discharge or pain while urinating, it will be easier for you to recognize these signs and symptoms because you already know how your body is like when healthy.
Sexually Transmitted Diseases are diseases caused by by viruses, bacteria and parasites, which can easily be transmitted through body contact during sex. There are at least 25 different sexually transmitted diseases which can be spread by sexual contact, including vaginal, anal and oral sex.
Sometimes, STD takes a long time to display any kind of symptoms. The following are some of the most common STD that affect sexually active individuals: Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Bacterial Vaginosis, Crabs or Pubic Lice, Epididymitis, Genital Herpes, Genital Warts, Gut Infections, Hepatitis, Molluscum, Non-Specific Urethritis, Scabies, Syphilis, Thrush, Trichomonas Vaginosis, Balanitis.
Early detection and treatment of STD is very important to avoid serious infections that may lead to long-term or permanent damage. When left untreated, STD may cause infertility and can be passed on from a pregnant mother to her unborn child. Sexually Transmitted Diseases can be easily passed onto sexual partners and can aid in the transmission of HIV.
One of the surest way to avoid STD is by sexual abstinence. But you don't have to be chaste just to be free of this dreaded STD. The practice of safe sex can greatly help in minimizing risk from STD. Consult with your professional health care provider for advice on getting tested for STD and other sexual health concerns.