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Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are quite common and according to the World Health Organization (WHO), over 1 million people acquire STIs every day globally. Most people do not even know they are infected, and this may affect their future sexual and reproductive health adversely. However, did you know that using condoms can be an effective way to reduce the occurrence of sexually transmitted infections? But before that.
Sexually transmitted infections, as the name suggests, transmit from one person to another through vaginal, oral, and anal sex. In fact, some STIs can even transmit from mother-to-child during pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding. There are only four curable STIs (chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis and trichomoniasis) and the list of common STIs include Bacterial Vaginosis (BV), Genital Herpes, Hepatitis, HIV/AIDS, Human Papillomavirus (HPV), and Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID).
Also, read: STIs can have these shocking long-term effects on your health
STIs may only cause mild symptoms, and that’s why some people are unaware of their infection. However, look out for signs like vaginal discharge, discharge from the penis, urethral discharge, burning sensation while urinating, urethral burning in men, genital ulcers and abdominal pain, then make sure to talk to a doctor about getting tested.
It is extremely important to use protection while having sex, it doesn’t matter if you are in a same sex relationship or a heterosexual relationship. Condoms do more than protecting you from pregnancies. They also protect you from sexual transmitted infections. In fact, they are one of the most effective methods of protection against STIs, including HIV.
Dr Tanaya Narendra, Instagram’s famous Dr Cuterus, in her latest Instagram post, reveals, “You can always share STIs, no matter what kind of sex you have, be it anal, oral or vaginal.” Check it out here:
Revealing how they can be used, she suggests, “Make sure to always cover the penis with a condom in case of anal, oral or vaginal sex, and always cover the vulva or the anus with a dental dam in case of oral sex. If you are sharing toys while having vaginal sex, make sure to always use a condom for the toy as well.”
However, condoms do not offer protection for STIs that cause extra-genital ulcers, that is syphilis or genital herpes. In such cases, opt for regular testing for STIs, especially in case of new partners, and you are good to go!
Safe sex is great sex!
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