Sex is a perfectly normal expression of love between consenting adults, which is why it’s important to be aware of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) for the betterment of ourselves and our partner(s). So why not start things off by getting to know the five most common STDs among Malaysians?
1. Herpes: The supposed ‘death sentence’ tapi bukan
Herpes tends to get a worse rep than it deserves, as most people who have it don’t usually experience its symptoms of:
- Small blisters around the genital area, thighs and bottom, which are prone to bursting
- Painful peeing
- Feelings of tingle, burning or itching around the genital area
- Unusual discharge
Even if it’s not curable, taking better care of your health can reduce outbreaks so much until the symptoms barely arise; however, those who prefer staying herpes-free should avoid direct skin contact with herpes-positive Malaysians only during their outbreak.
2. Chlamydia: Everyone’s least favourite silent ninja
Most Malaysians who get infected with chlamydia wouldn’t know they have it unless they begin exhibiting these rare symptoms:
- Painful peeing
- Unusual discharge from your genitals or bottom
- For women: Tummy pain, post-sex bleeding and bleeding between periods.
- For men: Pain and swelling in your testicles
Chlamydia that’s left untreated can lead to long-term health problems, so it’s best to get checked early on if you have it, not to mention it’s easily treatable with antibiotics.
3. Gonorrhea: Not a fan of babies
This pesky little infection can infect the cervix (womb entrance), urethra (tube that passes urine), rectum and the eyes or throat, though the latter are uncommon; not to worry, as gonorrhoea is only spread through unprotected sex or sharing of sex toys.
Here’s how you can tell you might have gonorrhoea:
- Thick yellow or green discharge from your genitals
- Painful peeing
- For women: Bleeding between periods
If left untreated, gonorrhoea can actually cause permanent blindness in a newborn baby, not to mention it can lead to serious health problems like infertility.
4. HIV/AIDS: Not the end of the world
HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) attacks your immune system, but if left untreated, it can escalate into the infamous and deadly AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). Keep an eye out for these tricky symptoms after two weeks of infection (though they might not appear at all):
- HIV
- Flu-like symptoms (e.g. fever, chills, muscle aches)
- AIDS
- Sores around your mouth, bottom, or genitals
- Blotches on/under your skin or inside your mouth, nose or eyelids
- Swollen lymph glands in your armpits, groin, or neck for extended periods
- Extreme weight loss
- Recurring fever or intense night sweats
- Unexplainable fatigue
- Long-lasting diarrhoea (over a week)
- Pneumonia
- Neurologic disorders like memory loss and depression
HIV may be a long-term infection, but with timely testing and proper treatment, those with HIV can still lead normal lives AND protect their loving partners from it.
5. Hepatitis B: The sneaky liver invader
This liver infection is caused by the hepatitis B virus, and it’s usually acute (or short-term) and lasts less than half a year. But it’s the chronic one (lasts more than six months) that may cause liver failure, liver cancer or cirrhosis (permanent scarring of the liver). So just to be safe, stay on the lookout for these:
- Pain in your abdomen
- Dark-coloured urine
- Fever
- Painful joints
- Appetite loss
- Feeling nauseous and vomiting
- Unusual fatigue
- Jaundice
Thankfully, the more severe cases can still fully recover, even without any cure. You can also opt for a hepatitis B vaccine to be extra safe.
Here’s how to stay safe and still have fun!
Though most STDs are easily treatable with antibiotics and such (though some of them are evolving to be more resilient), prevention is still better than cure, which is why safety measures like vaccines, reducing sexual partners, and being open with each other’s sexual histories are recommended.
Of course, let’s not forget the most accessible method which would be to practise safe sex. And since you’re ready to become a feared enemy of STDs and well-equip yourself, now is arguably the best time to stock up on protection!
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Durex Academy’s Year-End Party will be hosted and spun by the incomparable Ms. Puiyi herself, the influencer/DJ/music producer who’ll be bringing her signature energy and beats to ring in the new year~ On top of that, you’ll also gain access to an exclusive digital experience with Ms. Puiyi via Durex’s website!
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Here’s another RM50 worth of e-vouchers and Touch ‘n Go e-Wallet Reload credits up for grabs, including:
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Simply purchase Durex products to join!
Intrigued to try and see whether you can win any of these guaranteed prizes? Here are the steps you can follow!
- Spend RM40 minimum on Durex products in a single receipt.
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At the same time, you also get to enjoy high-quality protection from an industry veteran – did you know that Durex has been advocating safe sex for decades with vigorous research and development? Which is why they pride themselves in offering nothing but the most innovative contraceptive and lubricant products, which bring out the best of both safety and pleasure in the bedroom – after all, that’s what Durex’s name stands for: Durability, Reliability and Excellence!
For more information on The Year-End Party by Durex Academy and all things Durex, you can visit their website and follow them on Facebook and Instagram.
