People who have sex without using condoms have a high risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
STDs
have no limitations and can affect anyone, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is one of the most common STDs, and it can be transmitted through sex, regardless of the partner's gender or genitals. Other STDs such as syphilis, herpes, gonorrhea, HPV, trichomoniasis, and chlamydia can also be transmitted during oral sex.To protect yourself from STDs, you should always use condoms and get tested for STDs before having any sexual contact. The herpes simplex virus (HSV) is transmitted by direct contact of the mucous membranes with a herpes sore, saliva, or genital secretions of a person with a herpes infection. To reduce the risk of transmission, you should use condoms and avoid oral, anal, and vaginal intercourse if there are blisters or open sores in the genital area or around the mouth. There is no risk of becoming infected after exposure to environmental surfaces such as door knobs, toilet seats, utensils, drinking glasses, lipsticks, towels or sheets. There may be a risk of contracting HIV or another blood-borne infection if the instruments used for piercing or tattooing are not sterilized or disinfected among clients. To protect yourself while getting a tattoo or piercing, ask staff to show you the precautions they take and if you have questions about cleaning your tools, go to another site. The pill doesn't protect you or your partner from STDs.
External (male) and internal (female) condoms are the only methods of contraception that help protect you from contracting and transmitting STDs. You can also use a dam to protect yourself if you have oral sex. If you forget to take a pill or have been vomiting for any reason, the effectiveness of the pill is lower and you could still get pregnant. A monogamous relationship won't automatically protect you from STIs. Sometimes, STIs do cause problems you might notice.
These symptoms don't always mean you have an STD, but they could indicate another health problem. To make sure that you don't have an STD, get tested for STDs. Testing for many STDs is as quick and easy as giving a urine sample, while some tests may also involve drawing blood. Douching does not prevent pregnancy and may lead to a higher risk of STD infection. Douching alters vaginal flora and increases the likelihood of developing bacterial vaginosis (BV).
Douching is associated with ectopic pregnancy, low birth weight, preterm birth and preterm birth, and an increased risk of cervical cancer, pelvic inflammatory disease, and endometritis. To protect yourself from STDs, practice safe sex by always using condoms, protectors, or gloves. Get yourself and your partner tested for STDs before having any sexual contact and track your pill intake in Clue to know what to do if you miss a dose. Anyone can get a sexually transmitted infection, sometimes even without visible symptoms. Remember that external (male) and internal (female) condoms are the only methods of contraception that help protect you from contracting and transmitting STDs.
