With so much press about HIV it is easy to overlook the most common STDs of all. These include Chlamydia, Hep B, Gonorrhea, Syphilis and others. Chlamydia is a very common and easily transmitted STD that due to its lack of symptoms can go undiagnosed and cause significant health issues to the individual.
In a previous study from The Institute of Environmental Science and Research Ltd (NZ) we can see a significant increase in infection rates across New Zealand some of which is amplified in certain regions. The same year on year increase can be seen in gonorrhoea. The largest concentration of infections per 100,000 is in individuals between 15 and 34 although older age groups are still showing increases in infection.
This tells us that unprotected sexual activity is still common and that individuals are putting themselves at considerable risk for STDs including HIV. Potentially carrying one of these STDs can also increase the infection rate of individuals exposed to HIV as the HIV virus penetrates the host better in regions that are having an immune response/inflammation or broken skin as a result of another STD infection.
Additionally, individuals who know they have been at risk are not testing and treating which of course is the most effective way to break the infection cycle (assuming they are not practising safe sex).
If you have had unprotected sex and regardless of if you have any symptoms you are at risk of STDs. You should stop sexual contact and get tested as a priority. You can find out more about the infection rates at http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/health/76088358/New-Zealands-worst-regions-for-STIs and you can purchase STD test kits including chlamydia test kits and gonorrhoea test kits for all your sexual health testing at www.buystdtestkits.co.nz
In a previous study from The Institute of Environmental Science and Research Ltd (NZ) we can see a significant increase in infection rates across New Zealand some of which is amplified in certain regions. The same year on year increase can be seen in gonorrhoea. The largest concentration of infections per 100,000 is in individuals between 15 and 34 although older age groups are still showing increases in infection.
This tells us that unprotected sexual activity is still common and that individuals are putting themselves at considerable risk for STDs including HIV. Potentially carrying one of these STDs can also increase the infection rate of individuals exposed to HIV as the HIV virus penetrates the host better in regions that are having an immune response/inflammation or broken skin as a result of another STD infection.
Additionally, individuals who know they have been at risk are not testing and treating which of course is the most effective way to break the infection cycle (assuming they are not practising safe sex).
If you have had unprotected sex and regardless of if you have any symptoms you are at risk of STDs. You should stop sexual contact and get tested as a priority. You can find out more about the infection rates at http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/health/76088358/New-Zealands-worst-regions-for-STIs and you can purchase STD test kits including chlamydia test kits and gonorrhoea test kits for all your sexual health testing at www.buystdtestkits.co.nz