Protecting yourself during sexual intercourse is important. Not only does using the proper protection prevent pregnancy, but it can also save your life. While not all sexually transmitted diseases are life threatening, the can be uncomfortable and there are some that can' be cured. STDs are infections thought to have been around for thousands of years; however, there are some sexually transmitted diseases, like Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS,) that have only been recognized by the medical field since the mid-1980s. In some cases, you may not be able to tell if you partner is infected with something that can be transmitted sexually. In fact, with some sexually transmitted diseases, women may not even be aware they have them. They may show no outward signs of the disease and this makes protecting yourself that much more important.

There are numerous symptoms of the various sexually transmitted diseases. These can range from mild symptoms, like itching in the genital area, to more severe symptoms, like foul smelling vaginal discharge. However, there may not be any symptoms at all. In fact, it' fairly common for a woman not to discover she has a sexually transmitted disease until she visits her doctor for her yearly check up. Some diseases or infections can be treated with oral antibiotics, like Gonorrhea or Chlamydia.

However, taking the treatment can make your body become immune to other antibiotics, so it' important to protect yourself completely, especially with a new partner. While they don' protect from all STDs, condoms are the most effective way to protect you, other than abstinence. You have to remember though, condoms don' protect against every sexually transmitted disease there is, and it' still very possible for you to contract diseases like herpes, HPV and AIDS.

Seeking immediate medical attention is imperative for those who think they may have contracted a sexually transmitted disease. Especially in women, the presence of an STD can lead to other more serious problems. Sexually transmitted diseases left untreated have been linked to infertility, cervical cancer and other problems. After treatment is rendered, a follow up appointment is usually necessary for the doctor to determine that the infection is completely gone.