SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES PREVENTION

Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) are diseases transmitted mainly through sexual intercourse.

The larger the number of sexual partners the greater the likelihood of being exposed to STDs.

Based on the infection risk, STDs have been classified into:

• High risk: vaginal or anal contact without condom
• Medium risk: vaginal or anal contact with condom
• Low risk: oral sex with condom, wet kisses, sexual fondling
• No risk: masturbation

Many STDs are curable today. For this reason, early diagnosis and treatment are highly important.

Most common STDs are:

• Chlamydia
• Gonorrhea
• Mycoplasma
• Ureaplasma
• Fungal infection
• Trichomoniasis
• Genital herpes
• HPV
• Hepatitis B and C
• AIDS

Basic precautions against STDs:

• Proper use of condom
• Use of water-based lubricants
• Voiding before and after sexual contact
• Cleaning of the outer genitalia before and after sexual contact
• Vaccination against hepatitis B
• Avoidance of sexual intercourse when drunk or with illegal drug users
• STD screening in the event of sexual contact with a high risk person