By definition STDs are diseases contracted during sexual contact but the important thing to keep in mind is that as far as STDs are concerned sexual contact includes more than just sexual intercourse (vaginal and anal). Kissing, oral-genital contact, and the use of sexual “toys,” such as vibrators can cause STDs too. There is, in fact, no way to avoid STD risk completely. The most important fact about sexually transmitted diseases is that they are not contracted by people who abstain from sex or have only one sexual partner; this other person must not have sex outside the couple and must not have an STD already. These said, the tips below are barely scratching the surface (pun intended) when talking about safe sex.
- The condom does act as a barrier, however incomplete, but only if it is put on before genital contact.
- Always use a condom for high risk sexual activity.
- Always use a condom from the beginning to the very end.
- Urinating after sex helps very slightly to flush out organisms.
- Always have a check-up after high risk sexual activity. It is possible to have asymptomatic STD and be highly contagious.
- The earlier the therapy, the easier the cure.
- Always complete the full course of medication.
- Return for all check-ups after therapy. The lurking nature of STD organisms make this imperative to prevent further attacks.
- One attack of STD gives no immunity against further infection.
- Avoid sexual activity during the infectious stage. If this is not possible, inform a partner of the health risks.
- Avoid auto-inoculation; scratching a herpes ulcer can transmit the virus to the eye.
- Take extra care with hygiene. Face cloths, towels, bed linen and clothing are for personal use only.
- Help reduce the pool of infection in the community by assisting the health professionals in contact tracing.
- Strict hygiene before and after sex can avoid infestation.
The STD Clinic
Some clinics are free. Others charge for their services. Some are walk in, others require an appointment to be made. Some STD are notifiable. They must be reported to the health authorities by law. The notifiable ones vary from area to area, and from time to time. Some STDs are anonymous; a number instead of name is used. Others are confidential; name, address and telephone number are kept in secret files. Again, it varies with the area and time. Some STDs have more than one name. Others change their names when more is discovered about them. They then get placed in their own special category because they no longer belong to the group they were originally put in. In much the same way, therapies and medications change from clinic to clinic, from time to time. All this may seem confusing. Yet it shows medical knowledge in venereology is advancing. Keep in mind a specific therapy at one clinic may be different from another. There are likely to be sound reasons for this, such as local environmental conditions, the endemic nature of the disease in one particular area.
In towns and cities, there are hot lines to call for help, advice and information. There are telephone tapes which help. In isolated areas, look for notices in public places such as town halls, libraries, wash rooms. Consult the phone book. The entries may be under “V” for venereal disease or “S” for STD. Above all, AVOID DELAY.