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HIV/AIDS And STDs

HIV and AIDS

The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a virus that may lead to AIDS, a disease that causes the human immune system the shut down, and possibly pave the way for potentially life-threatening infections. A common misconception about AIDS is that the disease will lead to death, however AIDS by itself will not kill you, but it will leave the body more vulnerable to other viruses and infections by destroying the body's own defences, resulting in a virus that may not present much of a threat to a healthy human but potentially life-threatening for an AIDS suffer.

The HIV virus may be transferred by blood, vaginal fluid, pre-ejaculate, breast milk or semen. In these bodily fluids the HIV virus may be present as a free virus or found in infected immune cells. When discussing HIV/AIDS one typically highlights four different ways that the virus is commonly transferred, and the frequency of transfer by each of the different ways is largely dependent on the country one lives in. Firstly, HIV can be transferred by blood transfusion or infected blood products, however, this way of contracting HIV is practically eliminated in the developed world due to the constant screening of blood before use. Secondly, HIV can be transferred from mother to baby either at birth or through breast milk. The third way to transfer the HIV disease, which is more common in the developed world is through contaminated needles, which is a genuine concern for drug users. Lastly, and the most common way of contracting the virus and ultimately the AIDS disease is through unprotected sex. As the virus can be transferred from men to women as well as through vaginal fluids from a woman to a man, it is just as important for men to avoid unprotected sex as it is for a woman. People who have sex with the same sex should also be extremely careful.

The spread of HIV/AIDS is not so great that it can be labelled a pandemic, however, since the disease was first discovered in 1981 an estimated 25 million people have been killed. The World Health Organization estimates suggest that close to 0.6% of the world's population is infected with HIV, but in some areas of the world the per cent of population living with HIV is significantly higher.

HIV is treated by antiretroviral medication which is used in an attempt to prevent the virus from developing into AIDS. If left untreated, something that is all too common in some of the world's developing areas, the patient would develop AIDS and eventually die. However, work is underway to not only find a treatment that may increase the life-expectancy for HIV-sufferers to a level close to that of healthy individuals, but also to produce cheaper medication that may become widely available for HIV-patients in poor or developing countries and areas.

HIV/AIDS In Australia

AIDS claimed its first Australian victim in Melbourne in 1983 and in the early years of HIV/AIDS in Australia the gay and lesbian community were instrumental in the creation of AIDS councils. This initiative was largely the result of public hysteria after the disease started to appear in these communities. Today the state and territory councils are gathered under the Australian Federation of AIDS Organisations.

In Australia, non-government organisations have played a vital part in protecting and helping sufferers of HIV/AIDS. Perhaps the most famous is the Bobby Goldsmith Foundation that was named after one of the diseases earliest victims. Bobby Goldsmith won 17 gold medals in the first gay Olympics, held in San Francisco in 1982. It was established by some of Bobby Goldsmith's friends as a way to allow him to live independently while being sick with the disease. Many of the foundations currently operating in contemporary Australia are concerned with the same type of issues as the Bobby Goldsmith Foundation. They try to facilitate independent living and assist sufferers of both HIV and AIDS so they can have as close to a "normal" life as possible.

STDs

What Are Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)?

STD's or Sexually Transmitted Diseases are illnesses that are predominately transferred from one person to another during vaginal, anal or oral sex. However, you may actually contract STDs without having sexual contact. Infections, like scabies can transfer from one person to another without sexual contact. Most people may have heard of the most common STDs like Chlamydia and Gonorrhea, but there are at least 25 documented STDs that you can develop.

What Are Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)?

STI's or sexually transmitted infections is the same as STDs, but its often the preferred definition as some illnesses like Chlamydia may infect a person without leading to a disease with noticeable symptoms. A person may believe they are healthy, while still carrying an infection.

How Can You Tell If You Have An STD?

STD's may present in different ways, but the most common way of noticing an STD is from unpleasant symptoms. However, you may also be told by a sexual partner that they have the disease and as a result you have been exposed. Most STDs are easily treated, but some may have devastating effects, for example, they may effect fertility, if they are left untreated. Furthermore, some STDs may be transmitted from mother to child, so if you experience any symptoms or suspect an STD you should see a doctor immediately. It is also vital that if you are diagnosed with an STD, you need to inform any sexual partners you may have had the previous year.

What Are Common Symptoms Of STDs?

Because STDs are different they may present different symptoms, however commons signs of an STD include pain when urinating, unusual discharge from the genitals, abnormal lumps or sores and itching.

Which Are The Most Common STDs?

Bacterial Vaginosis is not commonly known as an STD as it's not transferred by sexual intercourse. However, the illness may be triggered by sex and is mostly found in sexually active women. The disease is caused by a bacterial imbalance in the vagina and although it is quite harmless, it may sometimes lead to a fishy smelling and unpleasant discharge. The exact cause of BV is unclear, but certain research suggests that semen and the alkaline nature of semen may upset the acidic nature of vaginal bacteria. BV cannot be transferred to a man, but the infection should, like any other, be treated as it may lead to a more serious infection in the uterus or fallopian tubes. The treatment frequently includes using an ointment or cream in combination with antibiotics.

Chlamydia Trachomatis Bacterium is the cause of the most frequently reported STI, Chlamydia. However, the bacteria is also the cause of the eye disease Trachoma. It infects both sexes and if left untreated it may lead to infertility in women. Chlamydia is transmitted through sexual contact with someone already infected with the disease, and the reason why Chlamydia is so common is that the symptoms, which usually appear in 1-3 weeks, may in fact not appear until much later.

Pubic Lice colloquially known as crabs are tiny parasites that feed off blood. They are predominately found in dense body hair like that found in the pubic regions or armpits. The lice themselves are yellow-grey and are shaped like a crab with powerful claws to grip the strands of hair. A common misconception about crabs is that you can get crabs from toilet seats or swimming pools, however that is untrue. However, you may contract crabs through sharing towels or bedding with an infected person. Furthermore, crabs are easily transferred during sex.

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