Sexually transmitted diseases are a group of infectious diseases that can be transmitted through sex. Although easily transmitted through sexual intercourse, sexually transmitted diseases can be prevented in various ways, from practicing safe sex behavior to living a healthy lifestyle.
Sexually transmitted diseases are generally transmitted through sexual intercourse, either vaginal, anal, or oral. However, it is possible that this infectious disease is transmitted through objects that have been contaminated, such as towels, wet clothes, or toilet seats.
There are several causes of sexually transmitted diseases, ranging from viruses, bacteria, to parasites. HIV/AIDS, cervical cancer, genital warts, and hepatitis B are examples of diseases caused by viruses.
Meanwhile, sexually transmitted diseases caused by bacteria include gonorrhea, syphilis, and chlamydia, while trichomoniasis is caused by parasites.
Method Preventing Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Although transmission is very easy to occur, there are several preventive steps you can take to protect yourself from sexually transmitted diseases, namely:
1. Avoid changing partners
The habit of changing sexual partners can increase the risk of getting sexually transmitted diseases. In addition, also avoid having sex with people who like to change partners or even unknown sexual history.
For some conditions, abstinence from sex at all or abstinence can be considered the most effective means of preventing sexually transmitted diseases. This step can be applied, especially when your partner is suffering from a sexually transmitted disease.
2. Use a condom
Make sure you use a condom every time you have sex, whether vaginal, anal, or oral. Proper use of condoms can prevent you from contracting sexually transmitted diseases.
You can choose latex condoms which are relatively safer from leakage of semen compared to synthetic condoms. However, if you have allergies, synthetic condoms are the right choice.
3. Get vaccinated
Some sexually transmitted diseases can be prevented by vaccination, such as the hepatitis B vaccine and the HPV vaccine for genital warts and cervical cancer. The HPV vaccination is recommended for girls from 9 years old to 26 years old for adult women.
Meanwhile, the hepatitis B vaccine is recommended to be given as soon as possible after the baby is born within 24 hours. Next, the second and third doses of hepatitis B vaccine are given at least 4 weeks apart. This vaccine protection is known to last about 20 years or even a lifetime.
4. Do sunat
Male circumcision has been shown to reduce the risk of contracting HIV from sexual intercourse by as much as 60 percent. In addition, circumcision can also prevent other sexually transmitted diseases, such as genital herpes and HPV infection.
5. Avoid consuming alcoholic beverages and drugs
When under the influence of drugs and alcohol, a person's behavior will be difficult to control, so there is a high risk of having unsafe sex.
Research shows that alcohol consumption and sexual behavior in young women can increase the risk of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases.
Although it can be avoided, sexually transmitted diseases can also occur without you knowing it. Therefore, it is important to recognize some of the following symptoms of sexually transmitted diseases:
- The appearance of burning or pain when urinating
- Unusual discharge from the penis
- Abnormal vaginal discharge or bleeding
- The appearance of itching or burning in the vaginal area
- Pain or pain during sexual intercourse
- The appearance of lumps or sores near the mouth or genitals
However, in some cases, a person may be exposed to a sexually transmitted disease without the symptoms listed above.
To prevent disease transmission, make sure you always practice safe and healthy sex. In addition, sexually transmitted diseases can also be prevented by regularly checking the health of you and your partner to the doctor.