Sexually transmitted diseases and infections pose a serious health risk to the population. For six years in a row, STDs and STIs have been at an all-time high, according to the CDC. Many STDs are curable and treatable; it’s still important to take steps to reduce the spread of STDs and to protect yourself and your partner. Here are some tips that can help you do this.
Understand the Causes of STDs
One of the ways you can reduce your risk of contracting or spreading an STD is to educate yourself on the causes. It’s an oversimplification to say that sex causes STDs. These conditions can be transmitted through different means and caused by different organisms, including bacteria, viruses, and parasites. STDs can be contracted through body fluids or skin-to-skin contact.
The Different Types of STDs
You should be aware of the different types of STDs that are common. The most common ones include:
- Chlamydia
- Gonorrhea
- Hepatitis
- HIV
- Aids
- Herpes
- HPV
- Syphilis
- Warts
Symptoms of STDs
You should also be aware of what the symptoms of an STD are. These can include discharge from the penis, bumps or warts, redness, itching, or swelling of the genitals, pain during sex, vaginal discharge, or skin rashes. As these can also be symptoms of other health conditions, it’s a good idea to be seen by your doctor should you show any of these symptoms.
Effective Ways to Prevent STDs
The first line of defense to prevent STDs is to practice safe sex. Safe sex means that you know your sex partner well and understand their sexual history. You should also always use a barrier method of protection. Although abstinence is the safest route, there are also other steps you can take as well.
You should get vaccinated for HPV if you haven’t already. You should also get vaccinated for hepatitis B. It’s a good idea to reduce your sexual partners as well. If you decide to become sexually active with a new partner, you should both get STD testing and share your results. You can find online STD treatment and testing.
Know When to Get Tested
Getting tested is also a crucial part of preventing the spread of STDs. There is often some confusion over who should consider getting tested. It’s advised that any sexually active one should get tested. You can find STD testing and STD treatment online for cheap.
If you have any symptoms of STDs, you should get tested. If you’ve been engaging in risky sexual behavior, you should stop those behaviors and get tested. If you have a positive test result for any type of STD, you should avoid sexual activity with partners until you’ve been cleared by your doctor.
You have an ethical and legal obligation to inform all sexual partners of your STD. If you fail to do so, you could be held liable if someone else gets infected from a sexual encounter with you.
Why More People Don’t Get Tested
People continue to avoid STD testing, even though it’s an effective way to slow the spread of these conditions. Many people are embarrassed to get tested as they don’t want anyone to know about their sexual activities or risky behavior. Embarrassment is not a good reason to put others at risk, though. You need to know to get the right treatment if needed. You also need to know so that you can properly inform others before they engage in sexual activity with you.
If you’re looking for online STD treatment or testing, please contact us today.
