While it is important that people are aware of AIDS and taking the necessary precautions to avoid it, it also becomes important for people to know their general sexual state. Health, which means knowing the different sexually transmitted diseases, how they are contracted, and how to protect yourself from them. There are a variety of STDs and some of them can be fatal if left untreated, so it’s important to get tested for STDs regularly and get treatment if needed.
In addition, it is important to practice safe sex, which includes the use of condoms during sexual activity and also important to know the different methods of birth control, as well as how to have safe and healthy sex. In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr. Yajvender Pratap Singh Rana, Associate Director of Urology and Uro Oncology at BLK-Max Super Specialty Hospital, explained: “Sexual health conditions are a full spectrum of diseases including disorders of sexual desire , sexual dysfunction and transmitted infections and are interrelated”.
Insisting that positive sexuality is a measure of an individual’s general state of health, be it physical health or emotional health, he said: “The first and most important piece of advice to avoid sexual health diseases is to control your sexual emotions and be aware of the risk. to be casual in your sexual acts. Prevention is the key to sexual happiness.” She suggested these tips to avoid STD infection:
- Having a single partner and a stable sexual relationship.
- Use a latex condom (male or female condoms) when having vaginal/oral sex.
- Avoid any unnatural sexual activity, it can lead to genital trauma and the risk of infection is high.
- Delay having sex for as long as possible. Physical maturity is not the criterion for initiating sexual activity in adolescence. Wait for mental and emotional sexual maturity. The younger a person is when they first start having sex, the more susceptible they are to contracting various sexually transmitted infections or possibly other sexual and relationship health problems.
- Get vaccinated: Vaccines are available to help protect you against hepatitis B and human papillomavirus. HPV vaccines are given at the age of 11-12 years.
- Do not mix the two, as if there is a warning not to drink and drive, it is equally applicable not to drink and have sex as under the influence it is difficult to control sexual behavior.
- Don’t hesitate to discuss your problems with your doctor because early use of post-exposure prophylaxis can prevent infection.
According to him, the signs and symptoms that may indicate an STI are:
- Sores or lumps in the genital/oral area
- Pain when urinating in women.
- An unusual smelly vaginal discharge or itching in the vagina
- painful colitis
- discharge from penis
If one develops any of these symptoms after intercourse, see a doctor.
Bringing her expertise to it, Dr. Sarika Gupta, Senior Consultant Robotic Oncology and Gynecology at Indraprastha Apollo Hospital in New Delhi, explained: “STIs are spread through person-to-person sexual contact. In the current times, the spread of STIs is very common and can be spread easily. In the 21st century, STIs can be completely treated and cured. However, it can be prevented. Any patient, after coming into sexual contact with another person, has the same risk of becoming infected with an STI. Research indicates that STIs can infect other people through contact with the skin, genitals, mouth, rectum, and bodily fluids. STIs can also be infected by contact through vaginal, anal, and oral sex.
The following are some tips that she advised that can help avoid sexual health diseases:
- Avoid sexual contact if the person has some symptoms.
- Using latex or polyurethane condoms during vaginal, oral, or anal sex can help reduce the risk of infection.
- Both partners should get vaccinated, which will help protect against hepatitis B and human papillomavirus (HPV).
- Avoid sharing towels
- Wash before and after intercourse.
By being informed about sexual health, people can make better decisions about their sexual activity and protect themselves from both HIV and other sexual health-related diseases. Nilay Mehrotra, Founder and CEO of Kindly, revealed: “According to the data released by the National AIDS Control Organization, unprotected sexual contact was the cause of HIV infection of more than 17 lakh people in the country. in the course of the previous ten years. HIV targets the body’s immune system. AIDS can develop from HIV if it is not treated. Contact with contaminated blood, semen, or vaginal secretions can spread the virus. There is no cure for HIV, however it can be controlled with proper medical care. There are many resources available to help people learn about sexual health, and it is important to take advantage of them. By being informed about STDs and taking steps to protect yourself, you can help reduce the spread of STDs and improve overall sexual health.”
He also added to the list of tips for men and women to combat sexual health diseases, stating:
- Practice safe sex: While sex gives us the required pleasure, it is important for both men and women to use protection. It is recommended to use condoms to reduce the chances of transmission of sexually transmitted diseases.
- Maintain sexual hygiene: Regarding safe sex practices, sexual hygiene is very crucial. Women should wash their private areas from front to back. Men should also be careful when washing their foreskin. To avoid embarrassment, practice good hygiene, wash your hands before sex, take care of your mouth, control body odor, and urinate before and after sex.
- Limit the number of sexual partners: The chance of having a partner with uncontrolled HIV or a sexually transmitted disease increases with the number of partners you have (STDs). Both of these elements have the potential to increase the risk of HIV.
- Ensure medical hygiene: Never trade needles, syringes, or other injection tools for drugs. Every time you give an injection, use new, clean syringes and equipment. However, not injecting drugs is the best way to prevent getting HIV.
- Quitting smoking and consuming alcohol: When you have HIV, alcohol further affects your immune system. It can make your symptoms worse and make you feel weak. Also, it may conflict with the HIV medications you are taking. It can affect your thinking and your ability to make sound decisions, which can lead to harmful behaviors like unprotected sex. In addition, studies show that smokers with HIV have a shorter life expectancy, a poorer response to HIV treatment, and a higher risk of developing AIDS.
- Get tested: One of the best methods to prevent sexual health diseases is to get tested. Make sure your partner gets tested before having sex to prevent HIV. It’s also important to make sure you get tested for general sexual health. Tests can include erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, libido, semen test, fertility test, PCOS test, and more.
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