Q: How can I make sure I don't get a sexually transmitted disease?
A: About 15 million new cases of STDs are diagnosed every year in the United States according to the Centers for Disease Control. People of all races, ages, religions, and economic backgrounds get STDs. One of the most important things you can do to prevent an STD is to educate yourself in detail about the risk of STDs, how they are transmitted, the illnesses that STDs can cause, and the types of treatments that may or may not exist.
The only way to guarantee that you don't get a sexually transmitted disease (STD) is to practice abstinence or in other words - don't have sex. There are however a number of preventive things you can do that can reduce the chances of your getting an STD. Here are a few ways to help prevent an STD:
- Being in a monogamous relationship (meaning it's only you and your partner having sex together) can help prevent an STD. This is true only if neither of you have an STD to begin with. So, in other words, if you have sex with one person who is only having sex with you as well and if neither one of you has an STD this is a good way to prevent an STD.
- Ask any new sexual partner about their sexual history. Ask them questions like: How many partners did they have before you? (An increased number of partners increases the chances of being exposed to an STD) Have they ever had or ever been tested or treated for an STD in the past? Have they been tested for human immunodeficiency virus or HIV? You should also be prepared to answer any questions such as this that a new partner may have for you. There are many other issues that you should discuss with a partner and many other questions you should ask before having sex together, but these are a few important questions.
- You should use a condom correctly every time you have intercourse. You should do this whether you are having vaginal or anal intercourse. This is not a 100 percent guarantee of protecting you from an STD but it can help.
- Use protection during oral sex. Using a condom for a woman giving oral sex or use of a dental dam (a piece of latex - the material that many condoms are made out of - is placed over the vaginal area) for men giving oral sex can help prevent some STDs.
- Menstruation can increase susceptibility to getting a STD. Avoid having sex during menstruation.
- Birth control pills will not protect you from getting an STD.
- See a physician regularly to discuss questions and concerns you might have and have regular check-ups. At the first sign of any symptoms that suggest an STD - like a vaginal or penile discharge or sore or burning or pain with urination - you should see a doctor right away. But be aware that you can have an STD and have no symptoms at all.
Sex can be a healthy part of ones life but there are also risks. See your doctor, educate yourself, and know your risks!
For More Information:
National STD Hotline (800) 227-8922 |
