Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)
Sexually transmissible diseases(STDs) are diseases or infections that have a significant probability of transmission between humans by means of sexual contact, vaginal intercourse, oral sex, or anal sex. Some of the STIs can be transmitted through birth, IV needles, or breastfeeding.
Many STDs are transmitted through the mucous membranes of the penis, vulva, and the mouth. The visible membrane covering the head of the penis is a mucous membrane, though it produces no mucus. Mucous membranes differ from skin in that they allow certain pathogens into the body.
This is one reason that the probability of transmitting many infections is far higher from sex than by more casual means of transmission, such as non-sexual contact—touching, hugging, shaking hands—but it is not the only reason. Although mucous membranes exist in the mouth as in the genitals, many STIs seem to be easier to transmit through oral sex than through deep kissing. Some infections labeled as STDs can be transmitted by direct skin contact. Herpes simplex and HPV are both examples.
Depending on the STD, a person may still be able to spread the infection if no signs of disease are present. For example, a person is much more likely to spread herpes infection when blisters are present than when they are absent. However, a person can spread HIV infection at any time, even if he/she has not developed symptoms of AIDS.
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