Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are the ones transmitted through the genitals, mouth or anus during sexual intercourse. It can also be transmitted from mother to her baby, during pregnancy or after childbirth. Sexually transmitted diseases have become one of the major global public health concerns, involving both men and women.
Although most STDs are treatable, some of them, such as HIV (AIDS), genital herpes, and Human Papillomaviruses (HPV), which is the root cause of genital warts, are incurable.
Sexual health, contraception, condoms
There are various methods of contraception for men and women, some of which protect an individual from the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases. Condom is a type of pregnancy control – in addition to contraception – that helps prevent the spread of sexually transmitted diseases as well. There are two types of condoms, female condoms and male condoms.
STD can be transmitted to others through individuals who are not aware of their infection. Therefore, always use safety tools during sex, even oral sex, unless you are sure of your partner’s sexual health.
If you are in a relationship, be sure of the health of yourself and your sexual partner before sex.
The only confident way of preventing infection is absolute avoidance of sexual contact, which includes oral sex and intercourse.
Talk about safe sex with your partner.
Talk about sexually transmitted diseases before having sex with someone. Even if your partner does not have STD symptoms, he/she may still be infected.
Ask these questions from your sexual partner:
Safe sex practices
Some sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV, up to a few months after infection can not be identified. Genital herpes and Human Papillomavirus (HPV) could be transmitted when the symptoms of the disease have not yet appeared. Even if you and your sexual partner have been tested, use a condom for a month and get tested again later.
Contraception
Some women may not use birth control pills or their methods have been failed. If it happens to you, you may be able to prevent pregnancy provided that you act quickly.
What is contraception?
Methods which are used for preventing pregnancy are known as contraception.
If you have sex without contraception considerations, your chance of getting pregnant is very high, even if you have not menstruated or are close to menopause. Annually, approximately ?? women out of ??? who do not pay heed to contraception considerations become pregnant unintentionally.
The only way of contraception is not to have sex; however, through approaching a proper way, you can prevent unwanted pregnancies during any sexual intercourse.
Methods of contraception
There are several types of contraceptive methods, each of which has its advantages and disadvantages. Learning about all methods will assist in finding the best solution.
Hormonal methods include birth control pills, injection, contraceptive patches, subcutaneous capsules, and vaginal rings. Using Mirena IUD along with levonorgestrel is also recognized as a hormonal prevention method. Hormone contraceptives are very effective in this manner.
IUD is a tool placed in the uterus and operates very well safely for a few years. Using Mirena IUD containing hormone can be associated with severe and painful periods.
Blocking methods include using condoms, diaphragms and sponges. In general, hormonal IUD has a better impact than these tools in preventing pregnancy. Blocking methods should be used in every sexual intercourse.
The natural prevention method can also be effective if you and your sexual partner are very accurate. This method requires abstinence from sex or using blocking methods during the menstrual cycle in which pregnancy is more likely.
Permanent control (sterilization) is the last approach in contraception. Sterilization is suitable for individuals who do not plan to have children in the future.
The emergency method of contraception shall be used when you have forgotten prevention concepts or the condom has been torn during sexual intercourse.
In order for the hormonal or blocking contraceptives to operate well, you need to do them exactly based on your doctor’s instructions. Even then, an issue may occur. Therefore, having an alternative method seems necessary.
How to choose the best method?
The best control method is one that protects you each time you have sex. According to the various methods of prevention, it is the best approach you can make use of. To find the most suitable, think about the following concepts:
What might limit your choices?
In accordance with your health condition, some contraceptive methods may not be safe. Your doctor needs the following information to make sure which methods work for you:
How to get one of the contraceptive methods?
You can purchase some contraceptive tools from pharmacies.
Visit a doctor or specialist: