Archive for March, 2010
Determining What is an STD
The world is ever changing and with it comes the many types of illnesses that can plague man. One of these many possible illnesses is STD or sexually transmitted disease. This is an illness that is transmitted or passed on through sexual contact by humans or animals. Sexual behavior includes vaginal intercourse, oral sex and anal sex. In the past people refer to these illnesses as STD; in recent times it is more preferred to call it STI or sexually transmitted infection. So what is STD and does it differ in any way from STI?
The answer to the question regarding the difference between STD and STI is really simple. They both refer to illnesses that are passed on, as mentioned above, through sexual acts. The difference is that some people who have the illness may not show signs of the disease. This means that they may be infected and have the potential of passing on the illness to others. This is what STI is. This is one reason why it is difficult to tell who may have this infection by just looking at their outward appearances. So an infected person may have the illness but the infection is not causing the individual to feel sick. Once the illness starts making the person feel ill it is more accurate to call it STD. So to prevent further confusion, STD only applies to infections that are actually showing symptoms. Besides, people usually only find out that they have the illness once the symptoms appear or when they go through medical testing. There are many different kinds of testing that can be done in order for an individual to determine if he or she has STI.
Before any testing is done, to those who want to find out if they have it, the health practitioner would often first explain the causes of these illnesses. There are a number of causes for these illnesses such as bacterial, fungal, viral, Parasitic and Protozaol. Each would have their own different incubation periods and signs and symptoms. The most common of these STDs are bacterial infections such as Gonorrhea, Chlamydia and Syphilis. These diseases have visible symptoms but have different stages of incubation. One may see symptoms within just a matter of days while with others, it may be after a week or so. If one is tested positive for any of these, it is advisable to get treatment as soon as possible since these diseases are treatable. Do not wait until further complications arise before getting any treatment.
There are other types of STDs and STIs that can be passed not only through sexual behavior but through other means as well. STI can also be passed through blood transfusion or the sharing of hypodermic needles, although the likelihood of this is very negligible. But in general STDs or STIs are primarily transmitted through sexual behavior. If one has a very active sex life especially with multiple partners, it is strongly advised that one should get regular testing at STD clinics for any infection.
How to Prevent Premature Ejaculation Naturally
Do you want to know how to prevent premature ejaculation naturally? Many men who have this problem do. That is completely understandable. It is, after all, an embarrassing and emotionally painful problem. No man wants to live with this. There are, however, many natural remedies available.
For instance, the essence of hibiscus is said to help. All you have to do is take three drops of this essence, dilute it with a quarter of a cup of water, and drink it. Ideally you should drink it three times each day, once during the morning, once before eating lunch, and once before you go to bed.
Ginseng may also be of help. Specifically, research a good ginseng supplement. There is evidence that it can greatly improve your performance sexually. It can also increase and lengthen your sexual experience.
You can also put the power of your mind behind your problem. Simply picture yourself as having no problems, no fears. Meditate on this at least once each day. There are many things you can imagine, it all depends what scenario suits you best. A little research on this particular topic can go a long way.
It may also help you to increase the amount of time you and your partner engage in foreplay. It will naturally increase the sexual experience. You have to reason that, if it takes you longer to get an erection, then by the same token, your erection will also last for a while. If you move your concentration to your partner, you take the focus off of yourself.
You can learn how to prevent premature ejaculation. You can do it naturally. This is possible. It may even help you to discuss it with your partner. If you fear that he or she thinks badly of you, getting things out in the open can reduce a lot of pressure.
The Many Drug Abuse Effects
With today’s level of education on the issue, it is fair to say that everyone in the Western hemisphere knows drugs are bad for you. However, do you know what ‘bad for you’ constitutes? Drug abuse effects range from the mental to the physical to the social.
Marijuana
Most people see this as a ‘harmless’ drug, mostly because it has some medicinal properties, and is a naturally occurring substance. Unfortunately this doesn’t mean that there are no negative effects on long term users. While this may not be the kind of drug which can kill you with one dose, it can still have devastating consequences for your life over a long period.
Marijuana can cause you to develop mental problems through long term and short term use. Excess use can lead to paranoia, in both the long term and short term. Studies have also shown that prolonged use has a negative impact on mental abilities and IQ. The drug can also lead to apathy and stereotypical ‘stoner’ behavior, where the user is interested in nothing but the next joint.
Marijuana can also harm a fetus during pregnancy, and lead to psychosis and mental dependence on the drug.
Heroin
Heroin is commonly seen as one of the most unpleasant drugs available to buy. It invokes strong chemical and mental dependency. The problems caused by heroin are threefold; the actual drug itself which is incredibly harmful to the body; the culture of violence and crime surrounding its sale and production; and associated diseases such as AIDS which are associated with sharing needles.
The effects on the body are extreme – as the drug depresses respiratory function, prolonged use can lead to lung or heart failure! It also has associations with liver disease and pneumonia due the suppression of the immune system.
Secondary illnesses which are associated with heroin abuse include the AIDS epidemic and hepatitis. This is largely due to the sharing of needles, which leads to cross contamination. Both these diseases can be managed, but not cured and greatly affect the lives of those who contract them.
The social aspect, including the dependence upon the drug makes the user incredibly venerable to dealers. Many people are coerced into trades such as prostitution in order to fund their drug abuse.
Cocaine / Crack Cocaine
Cocaine and crack cocaine are similar drugs; crack cocaine is a processed form of cocaine which is mixed with baking soda or ammonia. Drug abuse effects caused by cocaine are severe; often users will continue to take the drug only to avoid the savage withdrawal which the drug causes.
Due to the rise in blood pressure, and resultant rush, there is a high incidence of strokes among cocaine users, as well as a variety of other cardiac problems. The drug is also associated with acts of violence due to the savage rush it entails.
These are just some of the drugs and the effects of drug abuse which are affecting society today. Hopefully you are now a little more aware of the consequences of drug abuse, and can make an informed choice as to whether or not you use.