While it’s critical that individuals understand AIDS and take the appropriate steps to prevent it, it’s equally critical that they understand their general sexual health, which includes understanding the many STDs, how they are caught, and how to protect oneself from them. Since there are many different STDs and some of them can be fatal if untreated, it is crucial to regularly get checked for STDs and receive treatment if necessary.
Additionally, it’s critical to practise safe sex, which includes wearing condoms while engaged in sexual activity. It’s also crucial to understand various forms of contraception and learn how to engage in healthy and safe sex. “Sexual health diseases are a full spectrum of diseases including disorders of sexual desire, sexual dysfunction and sexually transmitted infection and they are interrelated.”
A person’s total health, whether it is their physical or mental health, may be measured by their level of positive sexuality. “Controlling your sexual feelings and being aware of the dangers of being careless in your sexual activities is the first and most important guideline to avoid sexual health illnesses. The secret to sexual satisfaction is prevention.
Here are some recommendations for preventing STD exposure:
- Have a single partner and a stable sexual relationship.
- Use a latex condom (male or female condoms) at the time of having vaginal /oral sex.
- Avoid any unnatural sexual activity, it may give genital trauma, and the risk of infection is high.
- Delay having a sexual relationship as long as possible. Physical maturity is not the criteria for starting a sexual activity in teens. Wait for mental and emotional sexual maturity. The younger a person is when they start to have sex for the first time, the more susceptible they are to getting various sexually transmitted infections or probably other sexual health and relationship problems.
- Get vaccinated: Vaccines are available to help protect against hepatitis B and the human papillomavirus. HPV vaccines are given at age of 11-12 years.
- Don’t mix the two, like there is a warning don’t drink and drive, it’s equally applicable don’t drink and have sex as under the influence it is difficult to control sexual behaviour.
- Don’t hesitate to discuss your issues with the doctor because early use of post-exposure prophylaxis can prevent you from getting infected.
Signs and symptoms that might indicate an STI are:
- Sores or bumps on the genital/oral area
- Painful urination in women
- An unusual smelly vaginal discharge or itching in the vagina
- Painful colitis
- Discharge from the penis
Please see a doctor if any of these symptoms appear after having sex.
According to scientists, “Sexual contact between people spreads sexually transmitted illnesses.” STI transmission is widespread and simple to do in the modern world. STIs are entirely treatable and curable in the twenty-first century. It can be stopped, though. Any patient is equally at risk of contracting a STI after having sexual contact with another individual. According to research, STIs may spread to other people through touch with skin, genitalia, mouth, the rectum, and bodily fluids. Additionally, contact during vaginal, anal, and oral intercourse might result in STI infection.
Following are some tips that she advised can help avoid sexual health diseases:
- Avoid sexual contact if the person is carrying some symptoms
- Use of latex or polyurethane condom during vaginal, oral, or anal sex can help reduce the risk of infection.
- Both partners should get vaccinated which will help protect against hepatitis B, and human papillomavirus (HPV).
- Avoid sharing towels
- Wash before and after intercourse.
People may make better decisions about their sexual behaviour and safeguard themselves against both HIV and other sexually transmitted illnesses by being more knowledgeable about sexual health. According to information provided by the National AIDS Control Organization, approximately 17 lakh persons in the country become infected with HIV during the course of the preceding 10 years as a result of unprotected sexual intercourse.
The body’s immune system is the target of HIV. If HIV is not treated, AIDS may develop. The virus can spread by contact with tainted blood, semen, or vaginal secretions. HIV cannot be cured, but it may be managed with the proper medical care. Utilizing the numerous tools that are available to educate individuals about sexual health is crucial. One may contribute to reducing the spread of STDs and enhancing general sexual health by learning about STDs and taking precautions to protect themselves.
List of recommendations for men and women to combat sexually transmitted illnesses and claimed:
Use protection when having sex, even though it offers us the necessary pleasure. This goes for both men and women. To lessen the possibility of STD transmission, condom usage is encouraged.
Practice safe sex: Despite the fact that sex provides us with the necessary pleasure, it is crucial for both men and women to utilise protection. To lessen the possibility of STD transmission, condom usage is encouraged.
Maintain sexual hygiene: Sexual hygiene is highly important when it comes to safe sex practises. From the front to the rear, women should bathe their sensitive areas. Men should use caution when cleaning their foreskins as well. Practice proper hygiene, wash your hands prior to having sex, take care of your mouth, manage body odour, and pass urine both before and after having sex to prevent humiliation.
Limiting the number of sexual partners: Maintain sexual hygiene:Sexual hygiene is highly important when it comes to safe sex practises. From the front to the rear, women should bathe their sensitive areas. Men should use caution when cleaning their foreskins as well. Practice proper hygiene, wash your hands prior to having sex, take care of your mouth, manage body odour, and pass urine both before and after having sex to prevent humiliation.
Ensure medical hygiene: The more partners you have, the greater the chance that one of them has an uncontrolled case of HIV or another STD (STD). Both of these factors have the potential to increase HIV risk. Never trade narcotics for needles, syringes, or other injecting devices. Use new, clean syringes and tools each time you give an injection. The greatest approach to avoid contracting HIV, though, is to avoid injecting drugs.
Stop smoking and consuming alcohol: Alcohol worsens the effects of HIV on the immune system. You can feel weak and your symptoms might get worse as a result. It could also interfere with the HIV medications you are taking. Your ability to think clearly and make wise judgments may be compromised, which might lead to dangerous behaviours like unsafe sex. Additionally, research indicates that smokers with HIV have shorter lives, respond less well to HIV therapy, and are more likely to acquire AIDS.
Get yourself tested: Getting checked is one of the greatest ways to prevent problems related to sexual health. To avoid HIV, make sure to have your partner tested prior to sexual activity. Additionally, it’s crucial to get evaluated for general sexual health. Tests for erectile dysfunction, early ejaculation, libido, semen, fertility, PCOS, and other conditions may be included.
