Having or experiencing a Sexually transmitted infection (STIs) can be the worst experience one can ever experience or go through. It is a sickness that passes from person to person through several types of contact, the best way to protect yourself and your partner is by using condoms every time you have sex because not all STIs have symptoms, lets understand it further.
What are STIs?
Sexually Transmitted Infection is an infection that you can experience or get when you have unprotected sex with someone. While some STIs can be treated without having severe harm, others are more deadly and can be more serious. Some STIs can have different signs and symptoms, or no symptoms at all, and as a result they can be unnoticeable if you are diagnosed.
How STIs are transmitted
Contact with vaginal fluid or semen- through unprotected sex (vaginal, anal, and oral).
Direct contact with an open cut in the genital area.
Transmission from mothers to infants- through pregnancy, delivery or breastfeeding
Sharing of needles.
Certain STIs such as gonorrhoea, chlamydia, HIV and syphilis can be passed from mothers to their infants. All pregnant women should be screened for these infections throughout their pregnancy journey.
Other STIs, such as herpes, can pass on via direct skin-to-skin contact, as well as oral, anal, or vaginal sex. They can also be transmitted from the mouth to the genitals during oral sex. STIs such as HIV and hepatitis can transmit through contact with infected blood, when sexual partners have open sores, or when people share needles.
How to prevent STIs
Using a condom or dental dam
: These can greatly reduce the risk of direct contact with a sore or fluid that carries an infection.
Using water-based lubricants
: Oil-based lubricants can cause condoms to break- that’s why it’s important to only use water-based lubricants. You can get these at your local clinic or at pharmacies.
Regular STI tests
: Regular screening is important, especially before having sex with a new partner.
Getting vaccinated
: Getting vaccines that protect against hepatitis and HPV is always a good idea.
Avoiding drug and alcohol use
: These substances can increase your risk of unprotected sex.
Consider male circumcision
: For men, there’s evidence that circumcision can help reduce the risk of catching HIV by 60%.
Consider using Pre-Exposure prophylaxis
(PrEP):
PrEP is a course of HIV medication that’s taken by HIV-negative people (who are at high risk) to reduce their chance of getting infected with HIV.
How STIs are treated
The best treatment for STIs depends on the type of STI. Treatment may relieve symptoms, prevent an outbreak, or cure the infection. It’s important to remember that an STI can still be passed during treatment, so always use a condom during your treatment course.
If you suspect that you have an STI, don’t panic but contact your healthcare provider immediately. Most STIs require prescription treatment. It’s important to follow all treatment steps and always protect yourself and your partner by using a condom.
Main Image: Summit Health
The post DIFFERENT WAYS STI SPREAD: How you Can Prevent it from Spreading appeared first on Entertainment SA - South African Entertainment News, Celebrity and Lifestyle Online Magazine & Entertainment.
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