STDs- Prevention Is Better Than Cure
STD (Sexually Transmitted Disease) is the new name for Veneral Diseases. These are caused by Bacteria, fungi, viruses, parasites, protozoa,…Sometimes, they are also referred to as STIs ( Sexually Transmitted infections). Specifically, STD refers only to diseases that cause symptoms. As may be noted from the name, sexually transmitted diseases are transmitted from one person to another by certain sexual activities rather than being actually caused by those sexual activities
STD incidence rates remain high in most of the world, despite diagnostic and therapeutic advances that can rapidly render patients with many STDs noninfectious and cure most. In many cultures, changing sexual morals and oral contraceptive use have eliminated traditional sexual restraints, especially for women, and both physicians and patients have difficulty dealing openly and candidly with sexual issues.
The most effective way to prevent sexual transmission of STIs is to avoid contact of body parts or fluids which can lead to transfer, not necessarily any sexual activity with an infected partner. No contact equals no risk, not all sexual activities involve contact, such as cybersex, phonesex or masturbation from a distance are methods of avoiding contact. Condoms help in preventing STDs. However, one needs to learn to use condom correctly. Many a times people wear it on only half of the penis and this exposes the organ to STDs.
Proper usage of condoms entails:
- Not putting the condom on too tight at the end, and leaving 1.5 cm (3/4 inch) room at the tip for ejaculation. Putting the condom on snug can and often does lead to failure.
- Wearing a condom too loose can defeat the barrier.
- Avoiding inverting, spilling a condom once worn, whether it has ejaculate in it or not, even for a second.
- Avoiding condoms made of substances other than latex or polyurethane, as they don’t protect against HIV.
- Avoiding the use of oil based lubricants (or anything with oil in it) with latex condoms, as oil can eat holes into them.
- Using flavored condoms for oral sex only, as the sugar in the flavoring can lead to yeast infections if used to penetrate.
