Stigmas surrounding sexually transmitted infections are widespread ideas that negatively affect those afflicted. People who have them are seen as dirty, damaged-goods. This is not the case. About one out of every six people aged 14 to 49 years have genital herpes in the United States. Genital herpes (HSV) is more common than many may believe, also, just because someone has herpes does not mean that they will show the common symptoms. This STD (sexually transmitted disease) is extremely easy to obtain and can even be caused by oral herpes (cold sores on mouth).
"Oral herpes (such as cold sores or fever blisters on or around the mouth) is usually caused by HSV-1. Most people are infected with HSV-1 during childhood from non-sexual contact. For example, people can get infected from a kiss from a relative or friend with oral herpes. More than half of the population in the U.S. has HSV-1, even if they don’t show any signs or symptoms. HSV-1 can also be spread from the mouth to the genitals through oral sex. This is why some cases of genital herpes are caused by HSV-1." - CDC
Stigmas do not help the awareness of STI's. Stigmas only scare people away from treatment, testing and any type of disclosure of symptoms. We shouldn't have to be afraid to have sex. We shouldn't act like those who have contracted these infections/diseases are any less human than those who don't have it. Some of us have never been affected. Some of us were lucky enough to get something treatable that will go away in 10-14 days. Some of us get something that lasts a lifetime. And sadly, some of us get something that ends a lifetime.
Chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis. Those are just some of the curable sexually transmitted infections that anyone sexually active can get. If left untreated these could affect fertility and general health. Each one of those mentioned above have their own symptoms or lack of. Each one is treatable and curable.
Herpes, HIV(Human Immunodeficiency Virus), and HPV (Human papillomavirus). Those are some of the incurable sexually transmitted diseases. Some of manageable, others are deteriorating. Herpes is the most common of the diseases because most people carry the strain.
STD's can be prevented, but there is always a risk of exposure when having sex. This doesn't mean stop having sex, I'm not asking anyone to abstain. I'm no angel in that sense. We're in an age where having multiple partners throughout our lives is seen as normal, most people don't wait until marriage anymore. All I am trying to do is spread positive awareness. If someone consoles in you, do not judge them on their past or the events that have happened to them. Take care of yourself, get tested regularly (if you're with more than one sexual partner), and be safe.
#NoOneIsDirty
