Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD)

What is STD?

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are infections that can be transmitted through sexual contact with an infected individual. These are also termed sexually transmitted infections or STIs. STDs can be transmitted during vaginal or other types of sexual intercourse including oral and anal sex.


Who is a risk?

Anybody who has engaged in unprotected sexual intercourse or contact is at risk of transmitting an STD. However, the risk is higher in certain groups which include:

• Those with multiple sex partners
• Those with partners who have had multiple sex partners
• Those who do not use condoms during sexual activities
• Those who have sexual partners who do not use condoms during sexual activities
• Commercial sex workers
• Drug abusers who tend to practice high-risk sexual behavior

Some types of sexually transmitted disease :

• Chlamydia
• Gonorrhea
• Genital Herpes
• HIV/AIDS
• Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
• Syphilis
• Bacterial Vaginosis
• Trichomoniasis
• Viral Hepatitis

Prevention:

• limiting your number of sexual partners
• talking honestly with potential partners about your sexual history
• getting tested, along with your partner, before having sex
• avoiding sex when under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• getting vaccinated against the human papillomavirus (HPV) and hepatitis B (HBV)

Take control :

• vaccination
• abstinence
• mutual monogamy
• condoms
• reduced numbers of sex partner
• put yourself to the test

* say NO to STD :)

REFERENCES :
Std Prevention - CDC
Health Topic
News Medical - STD