Maintaining a safe and healthy sex life is of utmost importance if one wants to keep up his confident, happy and pleasurable encounters in the bedroom. Many people want to know how to enhance sex life, tips for spicing it up, to improve sex life, or just plain want to have a better sex life. Unfortunately, sexually transmitted diseases, or STD’s, are extremely common today. From gonorrhea to genital warts and from syphilis to AIDS, there is a lot of potential danger that awaits a man before he nestles himself in between the sheets. That’s why it is extremely crucial to protect oneself before going in. Staying healthy and stopping the spread of disease are the best things a man can do to be a fun, responsible and regret-free sexual partner.

The problem with so many STD’s today is that for many carriers it is virtually impossible for a potential partner to identify an infection of any kind. In fact, many of those who are infected with an STD are unaware themselves that they carry such a disease. Genital herpes, for instance, is running rampant among the sexually active population of today. Studies show that upwards of 45 million people in America have been infected with genital herpes, and this number has been increasing rapidly. Although it is not exactly clear why, there are more women infected with genital herpes than there are men. While one in every five males in America is infected, nearly one in every four women in America has caught the disease. What does this mean for men? Watch out. It is important to consistently use methods of safe sex to ensure that an infection is not transmitted, especially if the man has an active sexual life and sleeps with two or more partners.

Genital herpes is a viral condition closely related to chickenpox, and during outbreaks it shows up in the genital area-and sometimes other regions of the body-as an ulcerous sore. Yet depending on who contracts this disease, the level of intensity is known to vary so that while some hardly notice it, others are greatly impacted. Among those who may not
even realize they are infected, the symptoms of an outbreak can be minimal, and often are confused with rashes from jock itch or poison oak, allergies to detergents, insect or spider bites, etc. But for other men an outbreak can greatly impact all aspects of his life. Extreme pain in the penis can be felt that is also exacerbated by attempted sexual intercourse, which becomes painful to the point of impossibility. Although there is no cure for herpes, there are medications available that can reduce the severity of an outbreak. It is important to remember that herpes is highly contagious during an outbreak. It would be advisable not to engage in sexual activity during an outbreak, as even the use of a condom might not fully prevent its spread. At other times it is important to always use a condom while having sex, to prevent the spread of this highly endemic disease.

Gonorrhea is another highly prevalent disease which can wreak havoc on the penis-in about half of its carriers. The other half may experience absolutely no symptoms or mild symptoms like a clear wet moistness on the penis that, if noticed, may not even show up on the STD radar screen. Yet while many do not know that they are infected, others experience intense pain in the penis and are often shocked to find a mucous-like fluid discharging from their penis, usually colored green and yellow and flowing out in excess. If not treated, gonorrhea can spin out of control. Luckily, however, treatment is available in the form of antibiotics and should be sought as soon as possible. The occurrence of this disease is very high especially in youth, and it should be pointed out that while around 12 percent of men do not show symptoms of gonorrhea, up to 80 percent of its female carriers show no signs at all. That is why, in order to prevent the spread of gonorrhea, it is extremely important to wear a condom at all times.

Chlamydia is another disease that produces symptoms in only half of those infected. Men who experience pain in the penis while urinating are highly likely to be afflicted with chlamydia. Another symptom is the development of a sticky discharge, which falls between clear and creamy in its color. This infection can cause drastic health problems, especially in women, and should be treated with medication right away. Again, in order to protect one’s partner or partners, as well as himself, it is important to engage in safe sexual practices.

If a man desires to not to be infected with this highly endemic disease, there is really no choice but to use protection. Leading an active and happy sex life means being able to engage in sex without running the unnecessary risk of being infected with a venereal disease. Also important to remember is the necessity to keep one’s partners free of the potential risk that the man himself might pose. For those involved in a loving and caring monogamous relationship it is a definite sign of respect to be proactive in providing protection. This state of being proactive involves always reaching for a condom, and getting tested regularly to be sure that one is not carrying a disease that can be passed on through sex. General blood tests can be taken in order to be sure, and if any symptoms occur such as penile discharge, pain in the penis, or redness, then the only responsible thing to do is seek medical advice or treatment right away. The same can also be said for those whose sex life leads them to multiple partners. Indeed, there is no one more unattractive than a man who has gained the reputation of being a careless carrier; one who does not use protection and recklessly contracts and passes diseases. Such sexual behavior will eventually and inevitably limit a man’s ability to find partners. Moreover, he will likely be afflicted with penis pain and other unpleasant symptoms of one or more STD’s.