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.
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