10 Tips for Preventing Sexually Transmitted Diseases

You may have heard people talking about STDs at some point or another, but what are STDs? And how do they occur? STDs, or Sexually Transmitted Diseases, are acquired through unprotected penetrative sex. Research shows that 30 different bacteria and viruses can be transferred through unprotected sexual contact.

But the good news is that the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases is possible. Some of these diseases are curable, while others are not. Therefore, it is essential to know how to maintain a healthy sex life without contracting STDs. Read on to discover how STD prevention is possible and what the potential health risks of STDs are.

Did You Know?

• Every year, around 1 million STIs are spread throughout the world, with most of them being asymptomatic.
• Only one out of 4 STIs are curable, and approximately 374 million new STIs occur yearly.
• More than 500 million people aged between 15-49 years have a genital infection of herpes and simplex virus.
• Every year, over 311,000 cervical cancer deaths are caused by HPV.
• In 2016, approximately a million pregnant women were infected with syphilis, resulting in more than 350,000 adverse birth outcomes.
• HPV is the most common STI worldwide.

10 Tips for Preventing Sexually Transmitted Diseases

1. Practice Abstinence

Abstinence is the act of avoiding sexual contact, and it may have different meanings for different people. Abstinence is one of the most trusted and guaranteed ways to prevent STDs.

There are various forms of abstinence. Some people abstain from all sexual activities, while others may only engage in outer course, avoiding anal or vaginal sex. However you define it, you can still engage in activities like kissing, dirty talk or texting, dry humping, and mutual masturbation for pleasure.

Talking about abstinence with your partner may be difficult initially, but you can try approaching the conversation from a place of affection. Do not impose your needs on them, but rather learn about what they want.

2. Get Regularly Tested

It is crucial to get yourself tested for STDs because most of them are asymptomatic. If STDs remain undetected for a longer period, they can cause serious health hazards. For example, if chlamydia and gonorrhea are not treated early, they may lead to infertility in women. Similarly, HIV is life-threatening if left untreated.

Healthcare workers provide recommendations for STD testing, with a particular focus on sexually active female adults and adults younger than 25 years. These tests include chlamydia testing, gonorrhea testing, syphilis testing, and HIV and HPV testing. The recommended testing frequency is once a year. However, if you have multiple or anonymous sex partners, more frequent testing is better, such as every 3 or 6 months.

3. Use Protection

Using protection is also a convenient way to prevent STIs. Both male and female partners can use condoms during penetrative sex. It’s better to use latex condoms every time you have penetrative sex.

Many people don’t know how to properly use condoms, which makes them vulnerable to STDs. It is important to check the expiration date and ensure the package is intact before using them. Make sure you put the condom on correctly and hold onto it after intercourse to prevent slipping. Do not use oil-based lubricants with latex condoms, as they are not condom-safe. Never reuse a condom and dispose of it properly.

Dental dams and female condoms may also reduce the chances of acquiring STDs, but male latex condoms are the most reliable method for preventing STDs.

4. Choose Partners Wisely

If your partner is not mindful of their sexual health, you are at high risk of developing STDs. Communication is key. It is always better to communicate with your partner about their sexual health before engaging in sexual contact. To assess potential risks regarding STDs, it is significant for both partners to get tested before having sex.

5. Limit Your Number of Partners

Experts believe mutual monogamy is one of the best ways to prevent STDs without compromising sexual activity. However, it is essential to ensure that both partners are not infected with any diseases. Do not shy away from having an honest and open conversation about sexual health.

If it is challenging for you to stay committed to one partner, strategies such as setting the mood, exploring sexual variety, and engaging in mutual communication about likes and dislikes may be helpful.

6. Get Vaccinated

Vaccines are highly effective and safe for preventing STDs like HPV and Hepatitis B.

The HPV vaccine is usually administered at the age of 11 or 12 years. This vaccination is not recommended for people above 26 years of age because it doesn’t provide maximum benefits at that age. However, you can still get vaccinated after discussing your concerns with a doctor regarding new HPV infections and vaccination. Similarly, it is important to get vaccinated against Hepatitis B if you haven’t done so before.

7. Avoid Substance Abuse

Alcohol can impair judgment and lead to poor decision-making. Drinking makes an individual impulsive, potentially leading to unwise decisions about sex. To avoid this, it is better to have safer alternatives for socializing, such as going for a walk, expanding your social circle, volunteering in the community, or planning a get-together or holiday trip.

8. Stay Informed

STDs have a significant impact on the lives of those affected by them. To lead a healthy life, it is essential to stay well-informed about STDs.

Organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO) share the latest research on STDs every year. They aim to spread awareness about the treatment and prevention of STDs worldwide through programs like Global STI Programmes and by providing general information on STIs.

Similarly, educational institutions should inform students that unprotected sex at any age can expose them to STDs. They should educate students about getting vaccinated and teach them how to treat and prevent STDs without wasting time.

9. Maintain Good General Health

General health conditions greatly impact susceptibility to STDs in the following ways:

• The strength of your immune system greatly affects your ability to tackle diseases such as STDs. A weak immune system due to health issues like diabetes, HIV/AIDS, etc., can decrease the chances of your body fighting off these infections, making you more prone to them.
• Nutritional deficiencies weaken the immune system, increasing the chances of acquiring STDs.
• Elevated stress levels can seriously affect an individual’s general health, making them susceptible to STDs. Chronic stress can lead to risky sexual behaviors like unprotected sex, which is the root cause of contracting STDs.
• Smoking, alcohol, and poor hygiene reduce the immune system’s ability to fight off diseases such as STDs.
• Existing health issues like inflammation of the genitals, STDs, etc., can increase the risk of acquiring other STDs. In such conditions, weak protective barriers in the genitals are responsible for contracting new STDs.
• Immunosuppressive drugs used after organ transplants weaken the immune system, increasing the risk of contracting STDs.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is important for a strong immune system. Eating healthy and nutritious food, avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, and staying fit and happy may reduce the chances of acquiring STDs.

10. Seek Prompt Medical Attention

STDs exhibit several symptoms. It is important to recognize these symptoms for early detection. These symptoms include unusual discharge from the genitals, painful urination, growth of lumps around the genitals, rashes, unexplained vaginal bleeding, sores, blisters on the vagina and penis, etc.

These symptoms usually appear a few days after being exposed to the disease. Other noticeable changes in the body may occur over the years. However, many STDs are curable, so detecting them early can help minimize the treatment process and reduce prolonged discomfort and the chances of acquiring other diseases.

Myth-Busting: Debunking Common Misconceptions

• Using a condom decreases the risk of infection by up to 100%. That’s not true; any skin-to-skin contact can lead to acquiring STDs.
• STDs can only spread through vaginal or anal sex, not oral sex. But STDs like chlamydia, gonorrhea, herpes, and others can spread through oral sex.
• The pull-out method helps prevent STDs. This is completely untrue. This method still involves skin-to-skin contact and can therefore cause STDs.
• Once you are infected with an STD, you cannot get it again. That’s baseless. STDs, if not properly treated, can recur. It’s better to get yourself treated properly before becoming sexually active again.

Conclusion

In summary, it is crucial to know that STDs can be diagnosed, prevented, and treated. Taking vaccinations for STDs at an early age, practicing safe sex, limiting the number of sexual partners, and getting tested regularly are the key ways to monitor your overall sexual health.

Remember, prevention is always better than cure. So never hesitate to talk to your doctor to learn more about STDs and their related risks.

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