Preventive Measures to Avoid STD

Sexually transmitted diseases may be caused by viral or bacterial infection. Diseases such as Hepatitis B, Herpes and AIDS are caused by viruses, while chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis are caused by bacteria. Some female-specific STD’s like yeast infection is caused by fungi. As we all know, prevention is better than cure. So here are some tips on how to prevent STD’s.

If you are thinking that using a condom makes you STD-free, it isn’t always the case. Condoms may reduce your risk of getting STDs, that is, if used correctly. However, no condoms are 100% safe: some warts caused by HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) and sores cause by herpes can still come in contact with the skin. When note used properly, a tear or damage in the condom can be an outlet for infection.

If you are thinking that by limiting the number of your sex partners can help you prevent STDs, well, maybe you’re right. Asking if your partner had or has a disease would help narrow down your choices, thus decreasing your chances of getting a sexually transmitted disease.

Spermicides do not help prevent sexually transmitted diseases. Contrary to popular belief, using spermicides with nonoxynol-9, instead of damaging the organisms that cause the diseases, can irritate the woman’s vagina or cervix, thus increasing the risk of an STD infection.

To avoid herpes, avoid any sexual contact with anyone who has an outbreak of herpes, whether genital, anal, or oral. If you are aware of someone who has acquired this STD, or is showing the symptoms, advise him or her to seek medical help immediately.

Parasitic STD’s such as scabies or pubic lice can be prevented by observing hygiene. Avoid sharing towels with another person, and change bed sheets as often as possible. If these parasites make their way into your skin, topical creams can be applied to relieve the itchiness. It is best to seek medical advice immediately.

As for HIV, one way of preventing this is to avoid sharing of needles used in syringes or in any transfusions. Also, if you know of someone who has this infection, but he or she is afraid to seek help, let them know how important it is. In some government jurisdictions, a person who is aware of his own HIV infection, and continues to have sex with multiple partners, may be sent to jail.

The best way to prevent contraction of Hepatitis B is to have a Hepatitis B vaccination. Also, it is important to avoid sharing of razors and other personal items with other people. If you are the one affected with the disease, then avoid donating blood, tissues, and organs so that these may not affect others.

Some experts believe that the only sure way to prevent acquiring these sexually transmitted diseases is through abstinence, or not having sex at all. Aside from the fact that you are protecting yourself from diseases, you are also avoiding any unwanted children.

There are many other options for prevention of STD’s. The government and the National Institute of Health strictly enforce the information campaign on these diseases. Medical health care providers always inform their clients of these options, so that in any case the symptoms are apparent, the disease can be controlled.