What Are Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)?
As the name implies, sexually transmitted infections are infections that spread through any kind of sexual activity. STIs can be extremely detrimental to the body, but thankfully, most of them can be treated, cured and prevented.
How are STIs Transmitted?
STIs are transmitted through a variety of means, especially through the contact of skin, genitals, mouth, rectum, or body fluids. Any kind of body contact, be it oral, anal, or vaginal, can cause a transfer of an STI. STIs are generally caused because of viral and bacterial infections, which is why the affected people are generally prescribed antibiotics.
Risk Factors of STIs
Trusted online sources such as https://emen8.com.au/ suggest that the following factors increase the likelihood of contracting an STI:
- Having intimate relationships with more than one partner
- Having a partner who has multiple partners
- Having sexual contact with anyone with an STI
- Using intravenous drugs and sharing it with someone with an STI
Different Types of STIs
Here are some of the most common types of STIs:
- Chlamydia
- Genital herpes
- Gonorrhea
- Hepatitis B
- Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection
- Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection
- Syphilis
- Trichomoniasis
How to Avoid STIs
STIs can be prevented by keeping a track of your sexual activity. Some of the things that you need to take care of include:
- Limiting your sexual partners.
- Asking your partner about their sexual history and if they have HIV or any other STI
- Getting tested for HIV
- Avoiding when under the influence of drugs, as it affects our judgment.
- Getting vaccines against human papillomavirus (HPV) and hepatitis B (HBV)
Top Tips to Prevent STIs
Here are some tips that will help you avoid STIs:
- Using Condoms When Having Sex
Condoms don’t provide 100% protection but they are one of the most effective ways out there that can keep you safe from STIs. Here are some of the things that you should know about:
- Make sure that you check the expiry date on the pack.
- Follow the instructions mentioned on the package.
- Use a condom safe lubricant that doesn’t damage the condom.
- Make sure you dispose the condom correctly.
- Never reuse a used condom.
- Don’t use a condom that has tears and holes.
- Avoiding Sexual Contact with People That Have STIs
Avoid having sex with anyone who has sores, discharge, rash, or any other symptoms that suggest that the person has an STI. Here are some precautionary steps that you need to take for your own safety:
- Don’t have sex until you and your partner have been treated for STIs.
- Make sure that you follow your doctor’s instructions.
- Always use condoms with new partners.
- Make sure that your partner is also treated if you have an STI.
- Consult your doctor for regular checkups.
- Avoid Other Types Of Contact
Dental dams are a great way to prevent the exchange of bodily fluids as they minimize the skin to skin contact that lowers your probability of getting an STI. Some of the STIs that are spread through skin to skin contact include:
- genital warts
- herpes
- syphilis
