SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES (STDs)- Gauri

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are infections that are passed from person to person through sexual contact. HIV is an STI. There are more than 25 other STIs that are mainly spread by sexual contact such as vaginal, anal, and oral sex. Globally, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that more than one million people get an STI every day.

STIs are also sometimes called sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). While "STD" is often used interchangeably with "STI," they are not exactly the same. A "disease" is usually an obvious medical problem with clear signs and symptoms. "Infection" with an STI may or may not result in disease. This is why many individuals and organizations working in health are moving toward using the term "sexually transmitted infection" rather than "sexually transmitted disease." Most people with STIs do not have any symptoms and therefore often do not know that they can pass the infection on to their sexual partner(s).

Regardless of race or age, less than half of those who should be tested for STIs receive STI screening. This is especially important for women, since women suffer more frequent and more serious complications from STIs than men.

Fortunately, you can reduce your chances of getting many STIs by practicing safer sex. Most STIs, though not all, can be successfully cured through treatment. For other STIs, there are effective medications that can help you manage your condition.

METHODS OF CONTRACEPTION

The term contraception refers to any method which prevents pregnancy. Different methods are used, some of which are hormonal and others non-hormonal. Some methods also help the user to avoid acquiring sexually transmitted infections.

Condoms: Most people use contraception to prevent pregnancy, but safe sex is equally important to avoid STIs if the partners are not in a monogamous relationship. The only proven contraceptive method to reduce the risk of STI transmission is the male condom. Latex is the best material, but polyurethane is effective in the case of latex allergy.

Dams: The dental dam is a thin piece of latex which is spread over the perineum and vulva, to prevent direct skin-skin or mucosal contact between the partners during oral sex. It is used along with male or female condoms.

The most effective way to prevent pregnancy is abstinence . However, within the first year of committing to abstinence, many couples become pregnant because they have sex anyway but don't use protection. So it's a good idea even for people who don't plan to have sex to be informed about birth control.