The most common sexually transmitted infections, syphilis, gonorrhoea and chlamydia incubation periods vary from one day to one month after exposure. Sometimes these infections develop a new strain that is resistant to the current antibiotics. Unfortunately, gonorrhoea has now become resistant to all but one antibiotic which means protecting the body from attack is now more important than ever. Protected sex using a condom is the only way to avoid these infections.
Almost half the people infected with gonorrhoea are also infected with chlamydia. Syphilis, gonorrhoea and chlamydia are all triggered by bacteria, but the underlying cause of most bacterial infections is a promiscuous lifestyle, poor nutrition from processed and fast foods and the overindulgence of drugs, sugar, coffee and alcohol that produce an imbalance of friendly bacteria in the intestines leading to poor immunity.
It is very chilling to realise that just one unprotected sexual encounter can lead to an infection that may manifest itself decades later and cause untold pain and suffering and even an early death. If passed onto a foetus in the mother’s womb, the result can be devastating and affect that child for the rest of its life.
Spermicides pose a risk for sexually transmitted infections and experts warn against their use. Non-lubricated condoms may injure vaginal tissue and make it more vulnerable to infections. Using a sterile water-based lubricant, such as KY jelly, may help reduce this risk. Petroleum-based lubricants such as ‘vaseline’ should be avoided because they weaken latex condoms. Coconut oil and other natural cold-pressed plant-based oils are a healthier alternative.
NOTE: It is important to always get tested by a health professional after any type of treatment to ensure it has worked, and all former partners must be informed because to leave these infections untreated can lead to serious health complications especially to pregnant women and their unborn child.
Some people show few signs and symptoms and will be unaware that they may carry a disease. It is strongly recommended that an individual has regular and thorough tests, at least once every three months, when sexually active especially when there has been more than one partner involved. Tests for sexually transmitted infections are painless, and in the UK, there are ‘Special Clinics’, usually attached to hospitals, that carry out discreet and confidential testing.
Sexually transmitted disease can lead to infections in other parts of the body such as urinary tract infection. See >> Urinary tract infections
Chlamydia
Chlamydia (pronounced kluh-MID-ee-uh) is a species of bacteria, Chlamydia trachomatis, that causes a variety of infections, primarily through sexual contact. It is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases. It is easily spread because it often causes mild or no symptoms and may be unknowingly passed to sexual partners. For more information see>> Chlamydia
Genital herpes
Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the herpes simplex virus Type I (HSV-1) and Type II (HSV-2) and both will remain in the infected persons body for life. The Type I virus is the same one that causes cold sores on the mouth, face and lips, although it can also cause sores on the genitals. The Type II virus, however, most often causes sores on the genitals. For more information see>> Genital Herpes
Genital warts
Genital warts are caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV16). This is the most common sexually transmitted infections. There are more than 40 types of HPV that can infect the genital areas of males and females. These HPV types can also infect the mouth and throat. They can cause serious health problems, including genital warts and certain cancers. For more information and natural remedies see>> Genital warts
Hepatitis
Hepatitis is a blood-borne infection caused by a virus that affects the liver and is often spread by sexual contact and the use of non-sterile intravenous needles shared by recreational drug users. For more details see>> Hepatitis
HIV AIDS
Natural ways to help the body fight the Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). HIV specifically attacks the white blood cells of the immune system (CD4+ T-helper cells) and allows other infections and/or diseases to develop such as fungal infections and pneumonia see>> Human immunodeficiency virus HIV AIDS
Pubic lice (‘crabs’)
Pubic lice (Phthirus pubis) are small, wingless, parasitic insects found primarily in the pubic or genital area of humans. Pubic lice infestation is found worldwide and occurs in all races, ethnic groups and levels of society. It is not necessarily spread through sexual intercourse as bedding, towels and clothes can also spread pubic lice. For more information and natural remedies see>> Pubic lice
Syphilis
A spirochetes bacteria, Treponema pallidum is the causative organism for this disease. Syphilis is a bacterial infection that is usually spread by sexual contact. It starts as a painless sore that appears mostly on the genitals and mouth. If untreated, syphilis progresses in stages and can lead to heart and brain damage and even death. For more details see>> Syphilis
Herbs that can help to fight sexually transmitted infections
- Andrographis
- Ashwagandha
- Astragalus
- Banderol
- Blood root
- Blue flag
- Burdock root
- Caraway seeds
- Cat’s claw
- Cloves
- Coccinia
- Dandelion root
- Echinacea
- Elderberry flowers
- Fagara
- Ginger Thomas
- Gotu kola
- Japanese knotweed
- Land caltrop
- Linden
- Liquorice root
- Mandrake
- Moringa
- Nasturtium
- Olive leaf extract
- Oregon grape root
- Phyllanthus amarus
- Pine needle tea
- Plantain
- Poke root
- Prickly ash
- Red clover
- Sarsaparilla
- Sassafras
- Stephania root
- Suma
- Yellow dock
NOTE: It is important to always get tested after any type of treatment to ensure it has worked, and all former partners must be informed.
Unfortunately, most sexually transmitted infections are blood -borne so there are few natural remedies powerful enough to fight these infections by themselves. However, they may help reduce the severity and progression of the disease.
A healthy diet, which will strengthen the immune system, can also help to prevent and assist in the conventional treatment of these diseases.
In most cases, only powerful antibiotics will work and these need to be administered by injection. Over the counter or online bought antibiotics will not be effective and must be avoided as they can cause mutations in the bacteria rendering them resistant to all antibiotics. This has happened in the case of gonorrhoea.
Tests must always be done after any kind of treatment to ensure the infection has gone, before engaging in any sexual activity, otherwise it can be unwittingly passed on to others and, in some cases, untreated STIs can lead to serious complications later on.
Natural foods containing plenty of fibre and the required vitamin, phytonutrient and mineral levels will enable the body to resist infection from bacteria, fungi and yeast, parasites or viruses. Consume fruit and vegetables of all colours to gain the benefits of these nutritional pigments. See>> Colour codes of nature
Try to avoid all refined and processed foods, any foods with additives such as aspartame, coffee, fizzy drinks, sugar, table salt (use Himalayan pink crystals), white flour and white rice (choose whole grains and brown or wild rice). This will help the immune system fight off all infections.
Related subjects
- A-Z of ailments
- A-Z of hazards to health
- Anti-microbial healing plants and foods
- Bacterial infections and natural antibiotics
- Chlamydia
- Fungal and yeast infections
- Genital herpes
- Genital warts
- Gonorrhoea
- Hepatitis virus infection
- Human immunodeficiency virus HIV AIDS
- Human papilloma virus infection (HPV)
- Infertility
- Mosquito-borne infections
- Parasites
- Pregnancy and childbirth
- Pubic lice (‘crabs’)
- Sexually transmitted infections
- Syphilis
- Thrush
- Virus infections
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