Therefore, abstaining from sex is really the only way to prevent infection with HPV. If you’re reading this, you’re probably not abstaining, so use a condom and get checked out regularly. There is treatment.
Warts are chemically removed, frozen off, burned off, or removed with laser surgery. Most people’s warts are cleared with the first treatment, but there can be recurrences, and certain strains of HPV can increase your risk of cervical cancer. For more info on HPV, see Our Dirty Little Secret: Talking About HPV.
Syphilis
What Is It?
Syphilis is a spirochete that can cause some pretty serious damage if left untreated. It’s relatively rare in the U.S.—there are only about 35,000 cases a year—but it may be on the rise.
Your Symptoms.
There are three stages to a syphilis outbreak: primary, secondary, and tertiary stage. The primary stage is characterized by a sore, also called a chancre, the secondary by a rash in one or more parts of the body, and the tertiary stage is characterized by neurological problems.
How Did I Get It?
Syphilis can be passed by vaginal, anal, and oral sex, and is especially contagious when sores are present.
How Do I Prevent/Get Rid of It?
Condoms can reduce the spread of syphilis. Treating both partners with antibiotics can treat the initial stage of syphilis, but damage from the later stages cannot be undone. A good rule for your genitals: don’t ignore the sore!
Of course there are some other biggies out there—HIV, namely—but using condoms and common sense (i.e., not ignoring pain, itching, scabbing, bleeding) can prevent you from passing along or contracting VDs this VD.
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