Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are caused by viruses, bacteria, parasites, and fungi. Out of all the four, diseases caused by viruses are the most dangerous because they cannot be cured yet. Medical science has advanced to the level that it is possible to suppress the viral load in blood so that the patient becomes non-infectious and can manage the disease to live a quality life; but there is still a long way to go before doctors can cure viral STDs.
STD viruses can enter your body through exchange of bodily fluids, mainly during sexual activity (oral, vaginal, and anal), sharing of needles, blood transfusion, from mother to baby during birth, and sharing of sex toys. Here are the commonest viral STDs prevalent in the world: 1. HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus): Many doctors call it the “doorway to hell” because untreated HIV can lead to AIDS wherein the virus “eats up” the patient’s immunity bit by bit, making his/her body so weak and vulnerable to opportunistic infections that, ultimately, they die. HIV is a special type of retrovirus, which can alter the DNA of the infected cell. 2. HSV (Herpes Simplex Virus): HSV 1 causes oral herpes and HSV 2 causes genital herpes. Sexual intercourse is not necessary to spread this virus, as it is usually spread through skin-to-skin contact. 3. HPV (Human Papilloma Virus): Scientists have discovered about 70 types of HPV, out of which 30 are spread through sexual contact. A report suggests that about 75 per cent of Americans have had this infection at some point of their lives. Certain high-risk HPV strains can even cause cancer in the reproductive organs of both males and females. The good thing about this virus is that it is known to go away on its own mostly. This is quite a blessing, looking at the alarmingly high per cent of infections prevalent among people. 4. Hepatitis: Hepatitis exists in various forms, but the B form is the most sinister, as it can damage the liver terribly. Hepatitis A and B usually spread through sexual activity; but A form is less serious. Doctors’ viewpoint: You must not take STD viruses lightly. They can wreak havoc with your whole body, if left untreated. A viral STD is not limited to the reproductive organ. Timely test and treatment can suppress the viral load and give the patient a new chance in life. Two biggest myths about Viral STDs
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