There’s one gift you definitely don’t want to receive this Valentine’s Day: another VD. Of course, a venereal disease is definitely not a gift anyone wants to give either. Rather than trying to broach the subject at the end of a romantic evening (can you say buzz kill?) here are some suggestions on what you might have, and how to get rid of it before the big night.
Chlamydia
What Is It?
Chlamydia is a bacterial infection and is one of the most popular sexually transmitted infections, and also one of the least conspicuous. About three million women and men are infected every year.
Your Symptoms (Women).
Abnormal vaginal discharge, fever, painful intercourse, abdominal pain, urge to urinate more than normal. However, the majority of women will not experience any symptoms (hence the need for those gyno exams).
Your Symptoms (Men).
Pain or burning while urinating, discharge from penis, swollen testicles. Like women, a lot of men won’t have symptoms.
How Did I Get It?
Chlamydia is spread by vaginal and anal intercourse; it’s less likely to be spread by oral sex. Chlamydia infection can also spread to the eyes. (Not my orifice of choice, but hey, to each his own.)
How Do I Prevent/Get Rid of It?
Using a latex condom every time you have sex can help prevent chlamydia. Though bacterial infections are nothing to cheer over (yay, microorganisms!), they are relatively easy to treat. Your doctor will give you a course of antibiotics, and possibly one for your partner to prevent re-infection. It’s important to get treated, however, so infection does result in long-term problems like infertility.
Gonorrhea
What Is It?
A bacterial infection (Neisseria gonorrhoeae). It affects about 600,000 women and men every year. Its less charming names are “the clap” and “the drip.”
Your Symptoms (Women).
Abdominal pain, fever, painful intercourse, vaginal discharge, and a general feeling of something not right down there. However, like chlamydia, the majority of women don’t have symptoms.
Your Symptoms (Men).
Discharge, pain, or burning with urination, frequent urination.
How Did I Get It?
Gonorrhea is spread by vaginal, anal, and oral intercourse. And by eating Twinkies. Just kidding.
How Do I Prevent/Get Rid of It?
Use a latex condom every time you have sex, and an oral barrier when having oral sex. Like chlamydia, gonorrhea can be treated and cured when caught early. Your doctor will prescribe a single dose of an antibiotic; both partners are usually treated at the same time to avoid re-infection. If left untreated, gonorrhea can also cause infertility and long-term problems. Since symptoms sometimes go unnoticed, it’s important to get an annual exam if you are sexually active.
Herpes
What Is It?
Herpes is an infection caused by two viruses—herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). Usually, HSV-1 infects the mouth and is called oral herpes, and HSV-2 is an infection in and around the genitalia and is called genital herpes. However, you can get either strain in either place. (It doesn’t take much imagination to see how.) Between 50 to 80 percent of adults have HSV-1, and around a quarter of all Americans have HSV-2. These numbers are probably on the low side since many people do not know they are infected.
Your Symptoms.
Oral herpes shows up as cold sores or fever blisters that are on, inside, and around the mouth. (If only all sexually transmitted infections were so obvious.) Genital herpes present themselves as sores on, in, and around the genital areas. An initial herpes outbreak may include blisters and painful sores, itching, and a general feeling of sickness and malaise. However, some people do not have outward symptoms.
How Did I Get It?
Herpes is pretty easy to get: touching, kissing, and sexual contact, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex. A brief skin-to-skin contact can pass the virus along. Although you can get herpes when there are no sores or symptoms present, it is most contagious when sores are visible and open. A general rule: if something is oozing somewhere on your partner, let it (and him) be. People with herpes usually have periods when symptoms subside, and recurrences, when symptoms come back.
