Nothing puts a damper on one’s weekend, quite like an ill-timed sexually transmitted disease (STD). Removing the skip from your step, while placing trauma in your shorts, these diseases are the souvenirs of bad decisions. But it left untreated can lead to some severely negative health issues.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), disgustingly, more than 1 million STDs are acquired every single day. Now adding to that traumatic fact in your head, During 2016, WHO estimated a staggering 376 million new infections—the most prevalent being Chlamydia (The Clap), Gonorrhoea, Syphilis and Herpes.
Research by WHO also shows that more than 500 million people are living with genital herpes. But don’t worry it gets worse as a further estimated 240 million people are living with chronic hepatitis B globally.
Contracting an STD in a small town whereby you need to see your local GP could be a bit embarrassing. However, you should grow up, get over it and get to a medical professional such as your GP immediately, just saying. But if your reputation and swagger are on the line or you don’t want your partner to learn of a dodgy event, then look no further as your favourite controversial news site has got your back. Because we care about you, we took it upon ourselves to search high and low (not really) for some great home remedies.
Here are five home remedies to potentially treat an STD (You’re welcome):
As a public service announcement before we continue, according to WebMD, you should never treat a sexually transmitted disease yourself. In fact, the medical site states the obvious, “They are contagious and serious. You must see a doctor.” Moving along…
Genital Herpes
According to both Science Daily and Switch on Health Natural Health College, liquorice has apparently been successfully used in the treatment of herpes. No eating a handful of Liquorice All Sorts will not fix the problem. Science Daily elaborates in saying it is the liquorice herb and not the sweet. In the March 2005 print edition of the Journal of Clinical Investigation, Ornella Flore and colleagues from New York University School of Medicine discovered that a compound found in liquorice, glycyrrhizic acid (GA), can kill cells that are latently infected with herpes.
Chlamydia
When it comes to STDs, many are fully aware of chlamydia, the old round of applause, the clap. It is essential to point out that this bacterial infection does not usually cause any symptoms and can be easily treated with antibiotics.
However, if it isn’t treated early, it can spread to other parts of your body and lead to long-term health problems.
According to Eve and Healthline, garlic can assist in combatting chlamydia, being rich in allicin, this compound is abundant in antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal and antiprotozoal properties which choke to death those infectious bacteria colonies, clearing the infection.
To obtain good results, a person should consume 1-2 raw garlic cloves per day. People can also incorporate garlic in food or take garlic capsules.
Gonorrhoea
If left untreated, this beauty can cause long-term health issues.
When it comes to home remedies, the Health Site claims apple cider vinegar is one of the most popular natural gonorrhoea remedies.
Going on to claim, “Apple cider vinegar can be taken orally or applied topically as a solution. The antibacterial properties of apple cider vinegar may help you, but be careful it’s also highly acidic, which can irritate the delicate tissues of your genitals.”
Crabs (crab louse) Aka Seafood pants
Being one of the grossest STDs around, Crabs is slang for pubic lice, parasitic insects which can infest the genital area, and is usually spread through sexual contact.
Healthline explains you may only need to wash your pubic hair if the infection is mild.—and if you are thinking of shaving, don’t bother or having a boiling hot bath with some Lux, as Crabs are tough.
Healthline affirms this is because lice can survive ordinary soap and water. There will also be a few stubborn lice which you might need to remove with tweezers.
Making for the worst conversation ever but being the best solution is visiting your doctor or pharmacist, and acquiring over the counter lotions and shampoos.
Genital Warts
According to Medical News Today, Witch Hazel is a popular remedy for various skin issues, including genital warts. It is relatively mild, which means it is unlikely to irritate sensitive skin (a huge bonus).
However, the medical site emphasises that Witch Hazel should not be used on mucous membranes, including inside the vagina or anus. (Words to live by).
Moreover, Medical News Today states that a 2014 study found that Witch Hazel might be effective in fighting HPV type 16, which is one of the strains of HPV that causes genital warts.
While these home remedies are sure to offer some relief, it is paramount to highlight; safe sex and medical treatment are king! Have a brilliant weekend and keep this article in mind!
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Authors: Quinton Boucher and Calvin Swemmer
Edited: Calvin Swemmer