Whatever stage you’re at in the dating world, it pays to play safe when it comes to your activities between the metaphorical sheets. Here’s some tips on how to protect yourself and your partner.
When it comes to discussions about men’s health, safe sex often takes a back seat to other topics, especially as we get older and ‘wiser’. Yet, protecting oneself and one’s partner from sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) remains paramount for maintaining overall well-being, no matter your age or experience.
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Here we delve into the significance of safe sex practices, common STDs men should be aware of, and actionable steps to safeguard one’s sexual health.
Why Safe Sex Matters
Safe sex isn’t just about preventing unwanted pregnancies; it’s also about safeguarding against a myriad of sexually transmitted infections that can wreak havoc on one’s health and relationships. From chlamydia and gonorrhoea to HIV and herpes, the risk of contracting an STD is a sobering reality that every sexually active man should acknowledge.
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Common STDs Men Should Know About
Chlamydia: A bacterial infection that can affect both men and women, causing painful urination, discharge, and in some cases, infertility if left untreated.
Gonorrhea: Another bacterial infection that often presents with similar symptoms to chlamydia, including painful urination and discharge, untreated gonorrhea can lead to serious complications such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in women and epididymitis in men. The WHO recent released a statement about the alarming rise of drug-resistant gonorrhoea globally.
HIV/AIDS: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) attacks the body’s immune system, leaving individuals vulnerable to life-threatening infections. Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is the advanced stage of HIV infection, characterised by a weakened immune system.
Herpes: Caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV), herpes can manifest as painful sores or blisters in the genital area. While there is no cure, antiviral medications can help manage symptoms and reduce the risk of transmission.
Protecting Yourself
Condoms: The most effective way to prevent the transmission of STDs during sexual activity is, you guessed it, through consistent and correct use of condoms. Always have condoms on hand and use them from start to finish, even during oral and anal sex. What you can do to reduce the drag is experiment with different styles, flavours and textures.
Regular Testing: Get tested for STDs regularly, especially if you have multiple sexual partners or engage in high-risk behaviours. Many STDs can be asymptomatic, meaning you may not show any symptoms even if you’re infected.
Communication: Open and honest communication with sexual partners is essential for maintaining sexual health. Discuss your sexual history, STD testing, and use of protection before engaging in sexual activity.
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Limit Partners: Limiting the number of sexual partners and choosing partners who have been tested for STDs can reduce your risk of exposure. Remember, the more partners you have, the higher your risk of contracting an STD so play it safe until you’re ready for that conversation about mutual testing, and then take it from there.
Vaccination: Consider getting vaccinated against STDs such as HPV (Human Papillomavirus) and Hepatitis B, which can be transmitted through sexual contact. Vaccination can provide added protection against these infections.
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