Page 102 - 86 human physiology part-2

The Female Reproductive System

Jellies, Cream, Spermicidal products Kills large number of About 75% UTI, allergy to
Foams inserted before intercourse sperm spermicides
Avoid sexual
Natural Family Keep record of ovulation intercourse near About 70% None known
Planning using various methods
ovulation
Vagina cleansed after
Douche Washes out sperm Less than 70% None known
intercourse
Prevents release of
egg, fertilization of Same as oral
Plan B Pill Pill taken after intercourse About 89%
egg, or egg from contraceptive
attaching to uterus

Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are diseases or infections that have a significant probability
of transmission between humans by means of sexual contact: vaginal intercourse, oral sex, and/or anal
sex. Many STDs are (more easily) transmitted through the mucous membranes of the penis, vulva, and
(less often) the mouth. The visible membrane covering the head of the penis is a mucous membrane,
though, for those who are circumcised it is usually dry and produces no mucus (similar to the lips of the
mouth). Mucous membranes differ from skin in that they allow certain pathogens (viruses or bacteria)
into the body (more easily).

The probability of transmitting infections through sex is far greater than by more casual means of
transmission, such as non-sexual contact—touching, sharing cutlery, and shaking hands. Although
mucous membranes exist in the mouth as well as in the genitals, many STDs are more likely to be
transmitted through oral sex than through deep kissing. Many infections that are easily transmitted
from the mouth to the genitals or from the genitals to the mouth, are much harder to transmit from one
mouth to another. With HIV, genital fluids happen to contain a great deal more of the pathogen than
saliva. Some infections labeled as STDs can be transmitted by direct skin contact. Herpes simplex and
HPV are both examples. Depending on the STD, a person who has has the disease but has no
symptoms may or may not be able to spread the infection. For example, a person is much more likely
to spread herpes infection when blisters are present than when they are absent. However, a person can
spread HIV infection at any time, even if he/she has not developed symptoms of AIDS.

All sexual behaviors that involve contact with the bodily fluids of another person should be
considered to hold some risk of transmission of sexually transmitted diseases. Most attention has
focused on controlling HIV, which causes AIDS, but each STD presents a different situation.

As may be noted from the name, sexually transmitted diseases are transmitted from one person to
another by certain sexual activities rather than being actually caused by those sexual activities.
Bacteria, fungi, protozoa or viruses are still the causative agents. It is not possible to catch any sexually
transmitted disease from a sexual activity with a person who is not carrying a disease; conversely, a
person who has an STD received it from contact (sexual or otherwise) with someone who is infected.

Although the likelihood of transmitting diseases by sexual activities varies a great deal, in general,
all sexual activities between two (or more) people should be considered as being a two-way route for
the transmission of STDs (i.e. "giving" or "receiving" are both risky).

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