How To Protect Yourself From Contracting STDs
Millions of people worldwide are diagnosed with some STD each year. If you are sexually active, taking the right steps to protect yourself from STDs can save you from getting one yourself.
Here’s how to protect yourself from contracting STDs
Get tested
Getting tested frequently goes a long way in protecting yourself from STDs. If you have a partner, get tested together to know each other’s statuses. Regular checkups with your doctor can keep you healthy and STD free.
Always use protection
Condoms are the best and easiest way to protect yourself from STDs. Always use a condom when having sex whether you are having vaginal, anal or oral sex. Dental dams can also be used for protection during oral sex. Correct and consistent use of condoms will greatly reduce the risk of you contracting any STDs.
Get vaccinated
HPV is one of the most commonly transmitted STDs out there with about 14 million people being diagnosed with it every year. It is so common in fact that most people don’t even know they have it. Getting an HPV vaccination will help prevent any transmission of the disease take place during intercourse. The vaccine is available to teenage girls and women up to the age of 26 and teenage boys and men up to the age of 21.
Reduce your number of sexual partners
You are more likely to contract a sexually transmitted disease if you have multiple sexual partners. It is best if you have sex with one partner and get tested for any STDs together. The fewer sexual partners you have, the lower the risk of getting a disease.
Educate yourself on STDs
Learn to recognize any signs or symptoms of STDs so that you can immediately visit a doctor if you notice any. However, a lot of STDs do not have visible symptoms so getting frequently tested is still very important.
Abstinence
This is the best way to protect yourself from STDs. If you don’t have sex, then you are protecting yourself from STDs and also any unexpected pregnancies.
Avoid doing drugs and getting too drunk
If you are under the influence of alcohol or drugs, it is hard to make wise decisions as you are not in the right state of mind which could lead you to have unprotected sex. Avoid these substances, and you can avoid getting STDs.