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Sexually transmitted diseases are unfortunately part of everyday life in our society. And unfortunately, much of society is not as enlightened as it should be. For example, it is known that HIV is not transmitted through oral sex. However, it is often forgotten that this is not the case for many other diseases.
But there are ways to protect yourself effectively and to have yourself tested. If you also behave prudently and cautiously, you not only reduce your own risk, but also contribute to the interruption of transmission chains.
How can you test yourself?
If you suspect you may have an STD, it's important to get tested as soon as possible. Fortunately, today there are many ways you can test yourself for STDs without having to see a doctor. There are numerous tests you can do at home that you can use to find out for yourself. The Syphilis test is one example among many others. These tests are easy to use and usually only require a urine sample or swab. Such a self-test has numerous advantages: you don't need to look for an appointment with a specialist (for which you unfortunately often have to wait a long time), you don't have to cringe because of any misconduct and you can breathe more quickly if your suspicion turns out to be a false alarm .
What can you do about STDs?
To effectively protect yourself against STDs, there are a few steps you can take. The most important protection is to always use a condom. It not only protects you from unwanted pregnancy, but also from the transmission of STDs. If you're in a brand new relationship, you and your partner should have an STD test to make sure you're both healthy. If you stay true to each other, you can refrain from using the condom during sex afterwards. The situation is different in an open relationship: It is then important to have regular examinations by a gynecologist or urologist in order to identify and treat possible infections at an early stage. For many venereal diseases, however, there are now the self-tests already mentioned. If one of these indicates an STD, you should see a doctor immediately and get treatment. The earlier an infection is detected, the better the chances of recovery. Overall, education and prevention are the best protection against sexually transmitted diseases.
What is the importance of continuous screening?
Continuous screening is of great importance when it comes to protection against STDs. Because even if you get tested once and are tested negative, that does not automatically mean that you are protected forever. New infections can always occur, especially if you have frequently changing sexual partners. It is therefore important to go to a regular screening or to carry out one yourself.
What should be considered in the case of a sexually transmitted infection?
If you suspect you have a sexually transmitted infection (STI), you should see a doctor immediately. It's important to realize that some STIs cause no symptoms and can cause serious health problems if left untreated. If you're diagnosed with an STI, you should tell any sexual partners you've had in the past few months so they can get tested as well. Avoid unprotected sex in the future and always use condoms to minimize the risk of STI transmission.
How do I inform and protect my partner from STDs?
When it comes to STDs, it's important to protect not only yourself, but your partner as well. Open and honest communication is the be-all and end-all. Talk to your partner about your sexual health and ask about their own as well. If you know you have or have had an STD, be sure to share it with your current partner. Use sensitive words and explain what protective measures you can take together to minimize the risk of infection. It is also important to get tested regularly for STDs and to discuss this with your partners as well. This is the only way you can ensure that you both stay healthy.
Photo / Video: midjourney.
