WHAT IS STD-FREE SEX?
STD-free sex is the act of protecting against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Practicing
STD-free sex means knowing the facts about STDs and following certain rules of conduct that can greatly reduce the chance of infection. By practicing STD-free sex, you can eliminate the risky behaviors that cause transmitting STDs between sex partners. The result is a physically healthy and worry-free sex-life.
WHY SHOULD I BE CONCERNED ABOUT STDs?
If you had or plan to have sex, the following facts should cause concern.
STDs are VERY contagious
There are over 20 known STDs
Over 12 million Americans get a STD each year
You can get a STD and have no symptoms
You can spread STDs to other people and not know it
Pregnant women
infected with some STDs have a high risk of miscarriage or premature birth. Their babies can have serious problems including pneumonia, blindness and mental retardation
If left untreated, STDs can cause serious illness, even death. Most cause painful symptoms. Some are linked with health problems such as cancer and infertility
WHO IS AT RISK TO GET A STD?
ANYONE who has sexual contact with someone else can get a STD. Those people most at-risk include:
Anyone who has unprotected sex – who does not use condoms, foams or jellies throughout the sexual encounter
Anyone who has more than one sex
partner Anyone whose sex partner has more than one sex partner
Anyone who exchanges body fluids, especially blood, semen and vaginal fluids
Anyone whose sexual practices may injure body tissues such as anal sex
Anyone whose sex partner uses intravenous drugs or shares needles
Homosexual males and bisexual females
Anyone whose sex partner has had intercourse with a homosexual male or bisexual female
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Anyone who has sex when they are ill or when their immune system is low
Anyone who does not keep his or her genitals clean, both as a matter of daily routine and especially after sex
Sexually-active females who douche
WHY DO SO MANY PEOPLE GET STDs?
People who do not know they are infected can spread STDs. They may have gotten the STD from someone else who also had no symptoms. This process of "carrying" and "passing-on" a STD is quite common. Furthermore, it is possible for someone who had sex only once to contract one or more STDs at that time. In turn, if that newly infected person does not know they have a STD, they could give it to their next sex-partner, and so on. That is why it is important to choose carefully with whom you have sex and to get regular medical screenings for STDs.
HOW DO STDs SPREAD?
Most STDs spread from an infected person to a non-infected person in the following ways.
By genital-genital contact
By anal-genital contact
By oral-genital contact
By mouth-mouth contact
By hand-genital contact
By garment-genital contact
WHAT BODY PARTS DO STDs INFECT MOST OFTEN?
Those body parts most often infected are the vagina, penis, opening of the penis, rectum, mouth and throat. Finally, the eyes and open skin-sores contacted by a STD may become infected.
HOW CAN I PROTECT AGAINST STDs?
Sexual abstinence (not having sex) is the best way to protect against STDs. Several other ways to lower the risk of getting a STD include the following.
Practice monogamy (having sex only with a non-infected partner who has sex only with you)
Choose your sex partner carefully
Check your sex partner for sores, growths, rashes, discharges or other symptoms that may indicate the presence of a STD
Have your partner tested for STDs
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Properly use a latex condom throughout the sexual encounter
Use spermicidal foams and jellies in addition to condoms for added protection
Urinate a few minutes after sex to wash away germs
Wash the hands and genitals immediately after sex to remove germs
Avoid douching, which can get rid of helpful bacteria that protect against harmful organisms
Practice good health (eat properly, get adequate rest and exercise, avoid alcohol, drugs and tobacco, and have regular check-ups, all of which help to protect the immune system)
Whenever you change sex partners, get re-tested for STD and have your new partner do likewise
WHAT IF I SUSPECT MY SEX PARTNER MAY HAVE AN STD?
If you have even a tiny suspicion that your sex partner may have a STD, stop having sex IMMEDIATELY! Both of you should be medically tested for the presence of STDs to see if either or both of you is infected. If diagnosis reveals a STD, carefully follow the prescribed course of treatment. Refrain from sex until successfully completing the treatment, thereby reducing the risk of re-infection. Remember, STDs can cause serious health problems. Even if your suspicion is wrong, just knowing that you and your sex partner are STD-free is psychologically rewarding.