Today, it is very important that we protect ourselves against any disease possible, especially the ones that can be prevented.Practicing safe sex is one of the best preventative health measures a person can take, and the best form of safe sex, outside of abstinence, is the condom. Not only do condoms safeguard against unwanted pregnancies, they also protect against infection from various sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), such as HIV, gonorrhea, Chlamydia and trichomoniasis; discharge diseases that are transmitted through infected semen or vaginal fluids. However, researchers say condoms provide a lesser degree of protection against the spread of another STD—genital herpes—because it can be transmitted through contact with infected skin that isn’t covered or protected by the condom, but the exact protective effect has remained unclear.
STDs-Sexually transmitted diseases (also known as STDs — or STIs for “sexually transmitted infections”) are infectious diseases that spread from person to person through intimate contact by means of human sexual behavior, including vaginal intercourse, oral sex, and anal sex.
Some STDs can also be transferred by nonsexual contact with infected tissues or fluids, such as infected blood. For example, sharing needles when using IV (in the vein) drugs is a major cause of HIV and hepatitis B transmission. An STD can also be transmitted through contaminated blood transfusions and blood products, through the placenta from the mother to the fetus, and sometimes through breast-feeding.
The following factors increase your risk of getting a sexually transmitted disease (STD):
- Not knowing whether a partner has an STD or not
- Having sex without a male or female condom
- Using drugs or alcohol in a situation where sex might occur
- If your partner is an IV drug user
- Having anal intercourse
Unfortunately, STDs have become common among teens. Because teens are more at risk for getting some STDs, it’s important to learn what you can do to protect yourself.
- Use condoms to avoid contact with semen, vaginal fluids, or blood. Both male and female condoms dramatically reduce the chance you will get or spread an STD. However, condoms must be used properly
- Condom is not fully protected but it can reduce the risk.
- Use of lubricants may help reduce the chance a condom will break
- The condom should be in place from the beginning to end of sexual activity and should be used every time you have sex.
Facts about STDs
- 65 million of people living in the US with STDs.
- 15 million of new STD cases each year.
- 2/3 of all STD’s occurs in people 25 yrs of age or younger.
- one in four Americans have genital herpes, 80% of those with herpes are unaware they have it
- at least one in four Americans will contract an STD at some point in their lives
