I
n a perfect world, sex would be
100
percent safe. But that’s not
the reality.
Millions of people each year get
a sexually transmitted infection,
or STI. Sometimes they have sores
or other symptoms. But many
show no signs that they have an
infection.
STIs can be passed when skin
touches skin or when body uids
are shared.
You can get an STI from any kind
of sex. at includes oral, vaginal
and anal sex.
Sex and your health:
Protect yourself from STIs
e only sure way to avoid an
STI is to not have any kind of sex.
But if you choose to have sex,
these steps can help lower risks for
both you and your partner:
1.
Get tested.
is is the only way
to know for sure if you or your
partner has an STI. Anyone who
has ever had sex should be tested.
Be honest and direct with your
partner. You can say, “I’d like to talk
about sex and STIs. What do we
both need to know?”
Share your own story. Have you
been tested? When? If you have an
infection, are you being treated for
it?
Some STIs can be cured. Others
can be controlled with medicine
but not cured.
2.
Be faithful.
is means that
you and your partner only have
sex with each other. Remember:
Be tested and, if needed, treated
before you begin a sexual
relationship.
3.
Use latex condoms.
Use them
during any sexual activity—every
time. If you have latex allergies,
you can use polyurethane or plastic
condoms.
Keep in mind that pills and
other types of birth control do not
prevent STIs.
4.
Don’t use drugs or alcohol.
ese can lead to risky decisions,
such as not using a condom.
Focus on health
Be honest with your provider
about your sex life. He or she may
suggest shots to help protect you
from STIs. One shot can prevent
hepatitis B. Another prevents some
types of HPV.
HPV is a group of viruses. Some
HPVs can lead to cancer of the
cervix. e shot protects against
most HPVs that can lead to this
cancer, but not all.
STIs are serious. ey can cause
painful symptoms. Some can make
it hard to have children in the
future.
So be tested, and play it safe.
Sources: American Social Health Association; Office on Women’s Health
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family
health
Be tested,
and play it safe.
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sexual health