Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) have been around mankind for ages. In modern times, STD’s were known as the venereal disease, (VDs), a term which derives from Veneris, or Venus, the Roman goddess of love. Before modern technology and medicine, people didn’t understand or have awareness of STD’s. This contributed to the wide spread of STD’s, and few or no medical treatment was available to cure it. Sexually transmitted diseases trace back to as early as the fifteenth century. STD’s are transmitted by sexual intercourse or bodily fluids.
According to the University Hospital Zürich, in ancient times, STD’s were taken for an individual punishment for a blasphemic conduct of life or as a consequence of low sanitation and hygiene. It is believed that syphilis and gonorrhea were around in medieval times in Europe. One theory states that these diseases were picked up by crew members who were on voyages that Christopher Columbus led. People believe that the crew members received the disease in …show more content…
It wasn’t until 1746, at the London Lock Hospital, that the first treatment for the venereal disease, STD was available for patients who sought help. Prostitutes were arrested in the mid-19th century because of the Contagious Disease Act to lower the risks of the disease spreading. It wasn’t until the early 20th century that keeping track of who you had sexual intercourse became important. Not long after that, sexual health clinics were built to help treat people infected with STDs as soon as it was found. In the mid-20th century a problem arose with adolescents. A majority of adolescents were participating in sexual activity. STD’s then began to spread among younger age groups, causing a widespread infection across the world. It also made healthcare policies try to raise awareness through campaigns and