While STDs have a particularly nasty stigma within our society, the reality is that they’re quite common. In fact, many sexually active individuals will contract at least one STD in their lifetime. However, even though STDs are prevalent, they can also be quite dangerous –– depending on a number of factors. If you’re concerned about protecting own sexual well-being –– as well as your partners’ –– then make sure to check out these six helpful tips that will keep you STD-free:
Abstain from Sex
Should either you or your partner suspect that you have an STD; the only surefire method to ensure you don’t spread the disease is to abstain from sexual activity. Note here that sexual activity includes all forms of intercourse –– oral, anal, and vaginal sex. The good news is that STDs don’t spread from person to person through casual contact, like a handshake. However, it is possible to spread herpes to someone simply through kissing.
Use a Latex Condom
Using a condom during intercourse is a highly effective (though imperfect) way to protect yourself and your partner from the threat of STDs. Though condoms aren’t 100% guaranteed to prevent the spread of STDs, they do significantly lower the possibility.
Seek out Vaccinations
Young women and girls should get vaccinated for HPV before they engage in sexual activity. That’s because HPV can lead to the development of cervical cancer in women who aren’t vaccinated. Furthermore, vaccinations do exist for a few other STDs, but not the vast majority.
Ask Questions
It’s understandable that many individuals wouldn’t feel comfortable asking their doctor questions about sexual-health matters. Still, doing so will help you gain valuable insights into these diseases and clear up a number of unfounded misconceptions.
Avoid High-Risk Activities
A number of lifestyle choices will affect any given person’s likelihood of picking up an STD. As such, individuals who engage with multiple partners, who have had an STD in the past, or who engage in unprotected anal sex are at greater risk of contracting an STD than the rest of the population. Lastly, individuals who use drugs should never, under any circumstances, share needles.
Get Tested
Many people will contract an STD and spread it to someone else without ever realizing they’re infected. STDs will often remain asymptomatic for long periods of time, so if you don’t make it a point to get tested regularly, you could have an STD and not know about it. Find a testing center near you and get help from a professional in order to ensure your sexual well-being. Getting tested for STDs might seem scary at first, but living with an untreated venereal disease is both unwise and unhealthy.
Article Submitted By Community Writer