Health is a topic that constantly rings into our minds because we all would love to be as healthy as possible and avoid any health problems. The best way to stay healthy is getting a healthy diet and regular exercise and staying away from Sexually Transmitted Infections.
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has indicated that sexually transmitted diseases have reached the highest level for the sixth consecutive year. CDC states in their research that some sexually transmitted diseases are curable and treatable; they can cause serious medical problems or even lead to death if not treated.
Ways of Preventing STIs
Medical professionals share how to prevent sexually transmitted infections;
Seek STI Testing
Before thinking of a new relationship with your partner or engaging in a sexual relationship, you should consider going for a sexually transmitted infections test with your partner. This is because either of the partners may be at a higher risk of STI diseases and consider going for STI tests more often to be aware of their health status.
When you are receiving treatment for Sexual Transmitted Infection, pause your sexual activity until you are done with STI treatment. However, if you continue engaging in sexual activities, your partner can pass the disease back and forth.
Monogamous Relationship
Having one partner or a monogamous type of relationship reduces your chance of contracting STIs diseases. Keeping your monogamous relationship to ultimate commitment and trust is essential in preventing STIs from attacking your relationship. Each partner needs to start a sexual relationship with negative STI results to keep the risks of STIs down.
Herpes virus in a person’s immune system can lay dormant and go undetected for several years before a flare-up occurs. In your relationship, if either of you is diagnosed with herpes despite the long-term monogamous relationship, this could be why you perceive adverse STI effects.
Remember, false or negative results can occur, but not all tests are 100% accurate.
Engage in Protected Sex
Not everyone prefers mutual monogamy. If you or your partner is involved in infidelity, you need to consider engaging in safer sex. This should also be put into practice when you’re having trust issues with your partner’s behavior.
Use a dental dam, internal condoms, or external condoms at any time you engage in infidelity contact, and it also implies if you’re not so sure of your partner’s behavior. Be it anal sex or vaginal sex, or oral sex, we should all-time practice safe sex by using sex barriers such as condoms.
Usage of condoms is not 100% protective against all sexually transmitted infections. However, these barriers will greatly reduce the risks of you contracting STIs.
Engaging in protected sexual intercourse is only practical and effective when you are intimate every time you have an encounter. It is upon you to bring your own safer sex supplies and take responsibility for your sexual health.
Consider Vaccination
With the help of technology, scientists have developed vaccines for a few STDs. These sexually transmitted infections with vaccines include Human Papillomavirus (HPV), Hepatitis A, and Hepatitis B. These vaccines are given for a specified duration.
Hepatitis A is given in two shots after a duration of six months, and Hepatitis B consists of three shots, with the second and the third being given one and six months respectively after the first shot.
The Human Papillomavirus vaccine protects against nine strains of human papillomavirus, including the 16th and 18th type, which causes about 70% of cervical cancers. The HPV vaccine can be administered to people between the ages of 9-and 45 years, although it’s recommended for children between 11 and 12 years.
Scientists highly recommend all babies be taken for Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B shots though adults and adolescents who were not previously vaccinated should consider going for their shots.
Summary
You can reduce the chances of contracting sexually transmitted infections by getting tested, engaging in protected sexual intercourse, and going for a STIs test with your partner before starting a sexual relationship.
Remaining monogamous, drawing certain lines, and staying away from drugs and alcohol before sex can likewise protect you from STIs.
