World Sexual Health Day: All you need to know about STDs

Sexually transmitted diseases known as STDs are most often but not exclusively spread via sexual intercourse They are one of the most common forms of contagious diseases meaning they can easily be transferred from one person to another Every year a majority of infections diagnosed is in people aged between 1524 years points out Dr Himani Gupta gynecologistobstetrician Consultant at PractoHow does one get infected with STDsThere are several ways to transmit a STD The most common way is through vaginal anal and oral sex Some infections can also be spread through towels toilet seats or damp clothing Dr Gupta tells IANSlifeShe says the risk increases ifOne has more than one sexual partnerOne becomes sexually active at an early ageOne has sexual contact with someone who has had multiple partnersOne does not use a condom during sexual intercourseOne shares needlessyringesOne myth about STDs is that they cannot be spread through oral or anal sex she says Oral sex dry sex and even kissing can transmit the infection to your partner through cuts and wounds in the mouth anus and genitalsSymptoms of STDsSymptoms of STDs vary from person to person and the type of infection contracted The expert shares some common symptoms of STDs in both men and womenThere could be no signs at allPain during urination and ejaculationRash or itching in the genital areaAbnormal vaginal discharge or discharge from the penisWarts lesions or sores in the genital areaBlisters that discharge pusPainless ulcers fever swelling sore throat may also indicate the presence of an STDTips to prevent getting infected with an STDProtecting yourself sexually involves not only learning about STIs Sexually Transmitted Infections but practicing safe sex every time you engage in any sexual activity she saysAvoid or minimize direct oral anal and genital contact by using a barrier method correctly and regularlyAvoidance of impulsive intercourse with a complete strangerForm a trusted honest and communicative relationship with your partnerAlways examine your partner for any wart ulcer or any other obvious lesion on the genital partsLimit your number of sexual partnersTalk to your partner about your STI statusInclude STI testing as part of your regular medical check upDo not use drugs or alcohol in potentially intimate situations as they can inhibit your ability to make decisions and may affect your dexterityGet vaccinated for Hepatitis B and C Consult a Sexologist GynecologistObstetrician alwaysDr Gupta shares five quick tips to practice safe sexEducate yourself Find out all you can about STDs Understand how each STD is passed from person to person during sexDecide to be safe If youre having sex and not protecting yourself STD could happen to youand anyone you might have sex with Insist on only safer sexChoose your protection Two quick ways Dont have sex or use condoms they are cheap and easy to useTalk about it Talking with a partner is a key step in staying safe Agree that youll both be tested for STDGet Tested for STD There are different tests for each STD No single test can screen for all of them Talk to your doctor and go by hisher recommendationSTDs can affect anyone anytime It is important to be aware to be transparent with your partner to maintain sexual hygiene and to practice safe sexKeep scrolling to read more newsCatch up on all the latest Crime National International and Hatke news here Also download the new midday Android and iOS apps to get latest updates MidDay is now on Telegram Click here to join our channel middayinfomedialtd and stay updated with the latest newsThis story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed agencies Midday accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability trustworthiness reliability and data of the text Midday managementmiddaycom reserves the sole right to alter delete or remove without notice the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever