STDs

[SeymourTheBear]

While I was at Tafe today we were discussing stds and one of my classmates mentioned that she had chlamydia.
We were a bit shocked that she would admit that, but then a friend and I were talking about it.
And really, why the shame? At a certain age it is assumed that you engage in sexual activities. So how is saying 'oh when they were treating me for chlamydia...' any different to saying 'yeah when I had the flu...'

STDs can be transmitted through unsafe sex, everyone knows that. But like I said, isn't it loosely on the same level as shaking someone's hand when theyve sneezed into it? Terrible analogy but i cant think of another right now.
There shouldn't be any shame. It is an illness, just like any other.

Sorry if that doesn't seem clear lol it's been running around in my head all day!

[shelle65]

This is one of the reasons why STDs are so widespread - the shame attached to it and lack of open discussion.

I'm pretty sure there was a study once that showed most people subconciously think that good-looking people are less likely to have an STD. Which makes no sense when you think about it.

[Theophania]

I guess I think its a bit of a personal thing to share about in a class full of people... I wouldn't tell everyone about having piles or something iykwim...

I don't know maybe it is because of the stigma attached but I certainly would never share that I had an STD with a class full of people. I would probably talk to my girlfriends or something, just as I would discuss things like UTI's and thrush with them, and again I would not discuss those things in a classroom of people...

[FindMyLunch]

I do sometimes think we should have less stigma attached to STDs. I mean, even though I don't have one nor have ever, I'd think we would be more likely to disclose to possible partners if it was less stigmatised.

I am aware that protection against STDs is important, but will admit that I have been less proactive of late so need to remind myself of the prevalence of STDs

[halloweendee]

This is one of the reasons why STDs are so widespread - the shame attached to it and lack of open discussion.

I'm pretty sure there was a study once that showed most people subconciously think that good-looking people are less likely to have an STD. Which makes no sense when you think about it.

totally agree. until sex is regarded as something normal (and not bad or dirty) we can't expect young people to feel comfortable talking about sex, walking into a shop and buying condoms, having conversations about safe sex.
i think a lot of people have contracted std's (lifelong or fleeting) and as young adults, we tend to think we are bulletproof.

[BlissedOut]

I was watching a reunion for Teen Mom 2 the other week and was surprised when Kailyn accused Joe of giving her a STD that she then passed onto her boyfriend.

Like 'oh wow, you just don't talk about that, let alone on international television', but thought about it and agreed with a PP here, it's good it's becoming more open for discussion.

[singlemumma82]

As someone who recently caught an STD from my ex I can tell you it's the stigma attached that destroys me.

I have the cold sore virus, but down there, on my mouth this would be seen as acceptable by so many, yet having it there I'm deemed as disgusting and gross by many, even friends distanced themselves afraid they may catch it.

I didn't catch it sleeping around having unprotected sex, I caught it cause my scum bag ex was high on ice and wanted sex and didn't care that I was sick with a chest infection, so to get me in the mood he went down on me, unaware he was going through viral shedding of the disease at the time.

I now as a result have this for life!

I have always practiced safe sex, I have a pack of condoms next to my bed at all times, but who out there honestly uses protection for oral sex? Or is aware of how contagious the cold sore virus is even without a single symptom being present?

It's the stigma and I friggen hate it! I was 29 years old, in a committed, faithful relationship and now I have an STD for life which requires me to take medication every day for the rest of my life to stop the continuous outbreaks I was getting.

The reactions I've had, like a so called friend laughing in my face have made me so ashamed to the point I am scared to date again and have to reveal this to someone before I can have any physical contact, knowing I could be contagious to someone without symptoms, I could pass on this horrible painful virus to someone I care about? Having something that even condoms can't protect against as it will shed through skin cells and bodily fluids.

It's not fair! And I hate it :'(

[SeymourTheBear]

As someone who recently caught an STD from my ex I can tell you it's the stigma attached that destroys me.

I have the cold sore virus, but down there, on my mouth this would be seen as acceptable by so many, yet having it there I'm deemed as disgusting and gross by many, even friends distanced themselves afraid they may catch it.

I didn't catch it sleeping around having unprotected sex, I caught it cause my scum bag ex was high on ice and wanted sex and didn't care that I was sick with a chest infection, so to get me in the mood he went down on me, unaware he was going through viral shedding of the disease at the time.

I now as a result have this for life!

I have always practiced safe sex, I have a pack of condoms next to my bed at all times, but who out there honestly uses protection for oral sex? Or is aware of how contagious the cold sore virus is even without a single symptom being present?

It's the stigma and I friggen hate it! I was 29 years old, in a committed, faithful relationship and now I have an STD for life which requires me to take medication every day for the rest of my life to stop the continuous outbreaks I was getting.

The reactions I've had, like a so called friend laughing in my face have made me so ashamed to the point I am scared to date again and have to reveal this to someone before I can have any physical contact, knowing I could be contagious to someone without symptoms, I could pass on this horrible painful virus to someone I care about? Having something that even condoms can't protect against as it will shed through skin cells and bodily fluids.

It's not fair! And I hate it :'(

I can underrated that

On the other end though my housemate will announce to all and sundry that she has herpes.
I mean fine don't be ashamed, but she just brings it up randomly in conversation.