5 Ways to Protect Yourself From Sexually Transmitted Diseases
What are sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) or sexually transmitted infections (STIs)? STDs are infections passed on from an infected individual to an uninfected one through sexual contact. They typically spread through unprotected sex.
Although most STDs are curable, it helps to protect yourself and your partner/s from contracting such infections. By preventing STDs, you can avoid serious complications like infertility, cardiovascular disease, increased risk of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and cancer.
1. Practice abstinence
Common types of STIs include chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, human papillomavirus (HPV), and trichomoniasis. Unfortunately, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported that STDs affect more than one million people worldwide on a daily basis.
Since sexually transmitted disease transfer through sexual contact, abstinence is one of the most reliable ways to prevent them. It means not engaging in sexual contact, including vaginal, oral, or anal intercourse, with anyone.
However, its definition changes depending on personal perception. Some people engage in other sexual activities other than intercourse.
You can practice abstinence by avoiding situations where abstaining from sexual intercourse can be difficult. It also helps to refrain from alcohol or drugs since they affect self-control.
Moreover, you can talk to a trusted friend about your decision. Having a support system can help you overcome the challenges of abstinence.
2. Use condoms
According to the guidelines of the CDC on sexually transmitted diseases, using condoms is an effective way to prevent STIs. It serves as a barrier, preventing direct contact between the genitals or between the genital and the oral cavity and anus.
It has a reservoir tip for ejaculate pooling. Without this part, the semen which can carry STD may leak and infect the other person/s.
The types of male condoms include latex, polyurethane, and lambskin. Most people use latex condoms but remember you must only use them with water-based lubricants. Otherwise, the latex condom can break.
On the other hand, people with latex allergies can use polyurethane condoms. You can use both water and oil-based lubricant with polyurethane condoms. Among these types, lambskin condoms are the least effective in preventing STDs. They have tiny pores that can allow virus leakage.
3. Get vaccinated
The CDC sexually transmitted diseases guidelines also include vaccination as a protective measure against STIs. For instance, the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine can prevent genital warts that may be cancerous. The first dose of the HPV vaccine can start at age 9 to 12, and the second dose can occur six to 12 months after the first injection.
However, doctors do not recommend HPV vaccination for individuals older than 26. You can still consult your doctor to know the risk of getting the HPV vaccine. This way, you can decide whether to get the injection.
A sexually transmitted disease is not the only consequence one might suffer. Sex with an infected partner can also cause hepatitis B, which affects the liver and may lead to chronic hepatitis and cancer. In 2020, 2,157 individuals suffered from acute hepatitis B.
You can prevent it by getting a vaccine. Unlike the HPV vaccine, doctors recommend the hepatitis B vaccine for all age groups.
4. Take PrEP
Individuals can reduce the risk of contracting HIV by 99 percent with the help of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). Doctors recommend PrEP to people who do not have HIV but have a higher risk of infection. Hence, people who have HIV-positive partner/s and share needles to inject drugs must seriously consider taking it.
Moreover, doctors may recommend PrEP either as pills or shots to prevent a sexually transmitted disease. The types of PrEP pills include Truvada and Descovy. HIV-negative individuals may get shots, but you must consult a physician before switching from pills to shots. You will also undergo an HIV test before getting the injection.
Although PrEP protects you from STDs, it can rarely cause side effects. Some people experience nausea, fatigue, headache, diarrhea, and stomach pain. It is essential to talk to a doctor since each person reacts differently to a drug or medication.
5. Get tested for STD
Some types of sexually transmitted diseases show no symptoms, but asymptomatic people can still infect their partners. Hence, sexually active people must visit their doctor regularly for STD screening.
The doctor may order different tests to check for STDs.
A physical examination involves examining the external genital and anal to inspect for discharge, rashes, and ulcers. The physician may also look for enlarged lymph nodes.
Blood tests can determine the presence of gonorrhea, syphilis, chlamydia, and HIV. A healthcare practitioner will take a blood sample using a small needle and keep the sample in a test tube or vial.
Urine tests can detect trichomoniasis and gonorrhea. The doctor will instruct you to give a sterile urine sample, usually in a cup.
Swab tests help doctors diagnose chlamydia, gonorrhea, herpes, and HPV. The healthcare professionals may choose between vaginal, cervical, or urethral swabs, depending on the patient’s sexual history.
Take Steps to Prevent Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Prevention is better than cure — fortunately, you can take actionable steps to prevent STIs. You can practice abstinence, use condoms, get vaccinated, take PrEP, and undergo STD screening.
But if you think you may be at risk of STD, contact us for medical advice suited to your needs. At OSRA Medical, we make sure that you’re well taken care of. We’ll ensure that you’re seen, heard, and given immediate medical attention for STDs.