Monday, August 20, 2012

Getting Out Of The Fast Lane

Condom in the shape of an AIDS ribbon. AIDS aw...
Condom in the shape of an AIDS ribbon. AIDS awareness series for MedAPT: Medical Awareness & Preparedness Training PREVENTION (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

One of my all time favorite songs is “Life in the Fast Lane” by The Eagles. One of the great things about it is not only do you get a fantastic rock song, but it also presents a very powerful message about life. A tough guy and a beautiful girl living a promiscuous lifestyle filled with partying, alcohol and recreational drugs. However, life soon caught p with them and they were soon fighting to get out of 'the fast lane'. Although it was released in 1976, that message still resonates today when so many young people – both men and women – are living a care free bachelor life with little regard to their ongoing health.

The often deadly combination of unprotected sex and drug taking is commonplace among the bachelor community and according to the CDC, individuals who partake in both are much more likely to contract and spread sexually transmitted disease (STDs) without ever realising because so any STDs do not have any clear symptoms. If left untreated infections such as chlamydia and gonorrhea can cause infertility, HPV (human papilloma virus) and have been linked to cervical and anal cancers . Advanced stages of syphilis can also affect the heart, the brain and other major organs. There are other STDs like genital herpes which once infected the individual will have the virus for the rest of their life and suffer constant flare ups and pose a risk to any future sexual partners. Of course, I haven't even touched on the big one – HIV and AIDS which is a fatal virus which even modern medicine cannot cure, only treat the symptoms.

I guess what I am trying to say is that maybe life in the fast lane isn't all it is cracked up to be! The best form of defence is protection. I'm not saying bachelors should be practising abstinence, but if you are going to engage in casual sexual encounters, then you should definitely use condoms. It is also important to know how to use term properly and above all safely. As well as using condoms you should also use regular STD testing as an important way to maintain your sexual health.

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