This is a very important issue. STDs, or Sexually Transmitted Diseases, as a term did not exist until somewhere around the 1990s. STDs are illnesses transmitted between humans during sexual contact. The most common STDs we known about are Syphilis, Yeast infection, Hepatitis B, Herpes, Pubic lice and Human papillomavirus (HPV). Some of the STDs can be transmitted through the use of needles such as by drug addicts. While some of the STDs can be treated, others can be deadly, so it is not something we should take lightly - but we must focus on the prevention. As the saying goes, ‘prevention is better than cure’.
How do we prevent the spread of STDs? The most important thing we must remember is always practice safe sex. Safe sex came to light in the late 1980s during the outbreak of the AIDS epidemic. Since then, people have been taught the ways to practice safe sex but most of the time, they don’t pay attention to it as they think they don’t risk being infected by STDs. There are many ways to practice safe sex. The most common is masturbation, or sex by yourself. Other than that there is the production of male condom or female condom. It is made of latex or polyurethane. Other ways would be practicing monogamy, that is to have sex with only one partner rather than having multiple partners that would encourage higher risk of infections. Another way, which seems to be a last resort, would be abstinence, or no sex.
However, not all preventions are effective. There are a few that need to be taken into consideration as they are not as effective as they are thought to be. Spermicide Nonoxynol-9 is supposed to be able to kill off sperm but recent studies found that there is a higher chance of infection as it is an irritant that provides an easier way for the transmission. Another method is Coitus interruptus or also known as ‘pulling out’. This method means male will pull out the penis before ejaculation, but this method is proven to be not reliable and not a safe sex practice. Therefore, it is wise to consult a professional preferably a doctor specialised in sexual health before embarking on any safe sex method.