Sexual maturity and responsibility that comes with it

Sexually Transmitted diseases are passed on by sexual intercourse. Venus was the ancient goddess of love and sex is an act of deep love. There are more than a dozen venereal diseases. These occur most frequently in people aged between 14 and 24 years. Older and younger persons may also get infected. Anyone having sex with an infected partner may become infected. The chance of becoming infected increases with the number of sexual partners. Actually, the type of partner one chooses is more indiscriminate in their choice of partners, or have sex with casual acquaintances, run a high risk of infection. This is because their partners are also less selective in choosing partners. Indiscriminate sex is more likely to lead to infection than sex with a steady partner in a loving relationship.

Gonorrhea is caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. The symptoms of this disease do not always develop. In the male, the bacterium infects the urethra and 2-10 days after infection he may have a pus discharge from the penis. Alternatively, he may experience a burning sensation during urination. The untreated infection may spread to his prostrate gland and testes. If the testes become infected, he may become sterile. In the female, the initialinfection affects the cervix. Without treatment it often spreads to the fallopian tubes. These may become blocked. Tubal pregnancy is possible, and this may be fatal. The female may also become sterile. The disease can spread to the blood. Small red pustules may develop on the skin and arthritis may result. Early treatment with antibiotics, such as penicilin, as an effective cure.

Syphillis is caused by the bacterium Treponema Palidum. Congential syphilis is passed by a woman to her unborn child. Acquired syphillis is passed on by sexual intercourse. There are four stages in the development of acquired syphillis. Primary syphilis takes about three weeks to develop and hard ulcers are formed at the site of infection. These are usually painless and last about a month. After 2-4 months, the symptoms of secondary syphilis may develop. These are a generalised rash of red flat lesions. The rash may reappear at intervals oveer two years. The third stage has no symptoms and may last for the rest of the person's life. About 30% of untreated individuals develop tertiary syphilis. This affects the brain and the heart. There may be severe complications and death. Syphilis, like gonorrhea, may be treated with penicilin and other antibiotics. Treating a pregnant woman can cure the foetus. But, treatment of tertiary syphilis cannot repair tissue damage.

Herpes genitalis is caused by the Herpes simplex virus. The symptoms are sores and blisters on the lips and genitals. Two to 20 days after infection the site begins to tingle or burn. Blisters formand burst to form ulcers. These heal spontaneously but symptoms may reappear without fresh infection. In females, urination may be painful. Much more serious is infection of the newborn during birth. Herpes is also associated with the development of cervical cancer. This is easily detected from a PAP smear. After puberty, all girls should have a regular PAP smear test.