An Introduction to The Issue of STDs in Today's Society

When people who are sexually active feel like there is something wrong with their body, or feel like something is out of norm, they may need to be checked by their local health care advisor for an STD. An STD, or Sexually Transmitted Disease, is a virus, or infection, that comes from already infected people who transfer that infection to others by having unprotected and unsafe sexual encounters. Going forward with an issue like this and getting checked may be embarrassing to some, since the possible cause of it all was sex. However, one has to remember that their life may be at risk and getting an STD check may be necessary.

Since men and women both can receive an STD, they both should be getting checked if they are sexually active. Of course, each gender has their own different way of being checked by a doctor, since their genital areas are different and function differently. For women, the check-up will usually begin with the removal of her clothes first. The health care provider may check the skin for any rashes or bumps that could be caused by an STD. The skin of the genital area will also be checked too for the same reason. If the woman had also performed oral sex on someone, then their mouth and cheeks may be checked and swabbed to examine. The anal area and the buttocks may be checked as well for any rashes, bumps, or sores. “In this procedure, the health care provider inserts a gloved, lubricated finger into the anal area to feel for masses or bumps” (Marr, 2007, p. 55).

For men, the check-ups are almost alike to those of the women, with a few differences. For instance, men also remove their clothes and have their skin checked, both all around and in the genital area, for rashes, sores, and bumps. The anal area and buttocks also get checked, just like with the women. One difference that occurs during the males check-up is the examination of the testicles. “This is done by gently feeling the contents of the scrotal sac between the fingers” (Marr, 2007, p. 51). This can help with the detection of possible testicular cancer. Another difference is the examination of the foreskin of the penis, if the man is uncircumcised. This examination is checked for any bumps, sores, and rashes as well. And if a man performs oral sex on another man, then they may have their throat checked for chlamydia and gonorrhea.

Once the male or female has gone through the examination with their health care provider, blood tests may be performed in order to check for syphilis, hepatitis, herpes, or HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus). If an infection has occurred, then the health care provider may prescribe the patient with medication to treat it. Also, the patient is recommended to tell their sexual partner about their infection and to encourage them to get checked as well.

These STD examinations are extremely crucial to anyone who is sexually active or is thinking about becoming sexually active. If someone like this doesn’t get checked usually, they may never know if they have an infection or disease, and they won’t know until it’s too late. Also, becoming educated on the subject of STD’s and practicing safe sex can be beneficial to their future. They may be able to prevent themselves from ever obtaining a sexually transmitted disease.