Preventing sexually transmitted diseases

A sexually transmitted disease is a kind of infection which spreads during sexual contact with another person. The only guaranteed way to prevent STDs is to withdraw from all sexual contact which is practically not possible. However, there are steps people can take to decrease their risk of STDs.

Protection before sex

Effective STD prevention starts before sexual activity happen. Here are some of the steps you can take to reduce your STD risk

• Avoid having more than one sexual partner.
• Inform honestly to your potential partners regarding your sexual histories.
• Get tested, along with your partner, ahead of having sex.
• Avoid having sex under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Practice safe sex

Practicing safe sex means use of a latex or polyurethane barrier for all forms of sex. This may include:

• Use of male or female condom for sexual intercourse
• Use of condoms or dental dams during oral sex
• Use of gloves for manual penetration

Washing off after sex may help remove any infectious material on your skin. Especially, women should urinate after sex. This may lessen the risk of urinary tract infections

Use Condoms Correctly

• Check the expiry date.
• Put the condom on properly.
• Every time leave room at the tip.
• Unroll the condom onto the penis, not prior to it goes on.
• Use condom safe lubricant at the time of intercourse.
• Hold onto the condom while withdrawing after sex, so that it doesn’t fall off.
• Dispose of the condom correctly.
• Never reuse a condom.

CorrectlySexually transmitted diseases are very common, but if you go for safe sex by taking protection or following the above-mentioned steps to prevent STDs, you can radically decrease the chances of getting STDs.