Although HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases have been around for more than one hundred years, people still believe that it won’t happen to them. It’s estimated that at least half of the world population will have or have dealt with an STD by the time they are 25. More than half of all new STI cases are for persons between the ages of 15 and 24.

You can avoid becoming a statistic if you follow some of the following preventative methods for contracting STD’s.

How to avoid sexually transmitted diseases?

These are some basic ways to avoid sexually transmitted diseases:

  1. Always use latex condoms.
  2. Don’t share sex toys, and only have sex when you feel comfortable and safe.
  3. A birth control method also is a must for protection against STIs.
  4. If your sex partner is using a condom, ask him/her to use it when they have sex with someone else.

If you think you might have already contracted one, we will talk about the treatment methods that you and your doctor can discuss once the exact nature of the STD has been determined.

It is also vital that you seek specialist advice about how to get tested for STDs. Your GP or clinic can refer you to a specialist for further testing and treatment.

Prevention


STDs are caused by bacteria or viruses. Some of the common STDs are chlamydia (the most common), gonorrhea (the second most common), syphilis, and HIV (the virus that causes AIDS).

The best way to avoid getting an STD is prevention.

Below you will find some steps you can take to prevent STIs. It is safer to abstain from sex if either you or your partner think you may have STD. Before having sex, make sure you don’t have a sexually transmitted disease and ask your partner to be tested, too.

STDs can easily be prevented in the following ways:

  • Monogamy or Abstinence: Not having sex is the easiest way to avoid an STD, of course, but for many people, this simply isn’t practical. This is where knowing your partner is disease-free and practicing monogamy comes in. You can enjoy the pleasures of sex without the worry of STD, as long as you and your partner are monogamous.
  • Safe Sex: You can have sexual relations with multiple persons as long as you prevent coming into contact with the body fluids of another person. This means always using a condom, gloves if you have a cut or sore on your hands, and using plastic wrap or plastic dams for oral sex.
  • Getting Vaccinated: There are a few vaccinations which can help to eliminate some STDs, such as the HPV (Human Papillomavirus) as well as hepatitis A and hepatitis B. While these won’t stop the HIV virus or other types of STDs, such as syphilis or gonorrhea, it will help to protect you from at least some of the diseases out there.
  • Avoid Risky Behavior: Drug users who share the same needle, sex acts that tear or break the skin or sex acts that are rough enough to break a condom, as well as having sexual encounters with persons known to be infected are all high-risk behaviors that can increase your risk of becoming infected yourself.

Treatment Options

Treatment options for STDs will vary, depending on the type of disease you are infected with. You will first need to see a doctor to determine which STD you have acquired so a treatment plan can be outlined. The following are common treatment options:

  • HPV – There is no cure for this virus. Although warts may disappear on their own, there is little your doctor can do other than prescribe antivirals which can help to create longer time periods in-between breakouts.
  • Chlamydia – Antibiotic therapy for yourself and your partner is generally recommended.
  • Gonorrhea – Like Chlamydia, antibiotics, such as ceftriaxone, are prescribed for both partners.
  • Syphilis – This STD is treated with penicillin. For those who are allergic to penicillin, doxycycline or tetracycline can be used. Easily cured in stage one, however, once the disease reaches its later stages, the damage it has caused is frequently permanent.

Unfortunately, there is no cure for HIV or herpes. If you believe you might be infected, do not be embarrassed to talk to your doctor.

You must get to know your local STD services, doctor or clinic in order to be sure you can get any specific medical care. You should always make sure you have asked about your health status and the health status of anyone you are potentially sexually active with. If you don’t know the name of your doctor or clinic, you can often get help locating them online. You can also ask your doctors or nurses about testing for STDs.

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