STDs are diseases that pass from one person to another through sexual contact (Photo Credit: Pexels)
According to the World Health Organization, more than 1 million sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are acquired every day. Expert shares ways to avoid STDs, check here
Sexually transmitted diseases or STDs should never be taken lightly. Often these diseases can be treated with antibiotics, but if they go untreated due to stigma or carelessness, they can have significant and long-lasting health effects. The health effects may include, infertility, and organ damage like gonorrhoea-induced blindness.
According to the World Health Organization’s latest figures, more than 1 million STIs are acquired every day. Young people between the ages of 15 and 24 account for over half of all new STD diagnoses, according to the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This is probably a result of a lack of awareness about STD prevention and a higher propensity for hazardous sexual behaviour.
Seeing the data, it is crucial to keep in mind that STDs can spread from person to person, potentially causing an outbreak. Dr Nupur Gupta, director of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Fortis Gurgaon told News9, anyone who is sexually active is likely to get STD. Particularly it is more common in young age groups individuals. Skin-to-skin contact is the route of transmission for a number of STDs, including herpes and HPV.
Ways to avoid getting STDs
Use condoms for safety
Dr Gupta said, “To stop STDs, it is imperative that you utilise. Additionally, you ought to routinely be tested for STDs, particularly if you are not in a monogamous relationship. Also, consult a doctor right away if you think you might have an STD.”
Avoid multiple partners
“Sexual activity with several partners increases a person’s chance of contracting STDs. Therefore, merely having fewer sexual partners will reduce your chance of contracting STIs. If you want to lower your risk of contracting STIs, choose quality above the number of sexual partners,” as per Dr Gupta.
If in doubt, get yourself tested
You may spread or get an STD without being aware of it because most of the time people are asymptomatic. Discussing your sexual history and any potential concerns with a new partner before having sex is crucial. In order to determine whether you or your spouse is infected with an STD, you need both to get tested.
Vaccination
According to Dr Gupta, “Prevention against papillomavirus or HPV infection requires routine immunisation. If not previously protected, HPV vaccination is advised for preteens between the ages of 11 and 12 (or can begin at age 9) and for everyone up until the age of 26. HPV vaccinations can help prevent cervical cancers in patients too.”
Discovered on: 2023-05-22 13:17:29
Source: Sexual health: Expert shares 4 ways to avoid getting STDs
