Knowledge is power and being informed can make or break any situation. When it comes to reproductive health, that rings especially true. Millions of people in the US are affected by STIs each year. Sexual and reproductive health play a huge role in a person’s overall health.
Educating yourself about STIs is essential for promoting safer practices and preserving overall health. As April 13-19 is STI Awareness Week, Newsymom and the Tuscarawas County Health Department want to share some important information and useful prevention tips.
What Are STIs?
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are viruses, bacteria, fungus or parasites that people can get through sexual contact.
How Do They Spread?
STIs can be spread through all forms of sexual intercourse. Risk factors depend entirely on behavior. Here are a few behaviors that can increase your risk of contracting an STI.
- Having anal, vaginal or oral sex without a condom.
- Having multiple or anonymous sexual partners.
- Having sex while under the influence of drugs or alcohol- lowered inhibitions can result in greater sexual risk taking.
Reducing Risk of Exposure..
Of course the only way to completely prevent exposure to STIs is to abstain from any form of intercourse. However, there are several steps those who are sexually active can take to reduce their risk of contracting an STI.
- Consider vaccinations that are available. Ask your doctor about hepatitis B and HPV vaccines.
- Avoid having intercourse with multiple partners. Being in a monogamous relationship with a partner who has been tested can greatly reduce the risk of STIs.
- Regular testing and communication. Regularly get tested and speak with your partner about one another’s’ results. Open communication is a crucial piece to any healthy relationship, especially when sexual health is involved.
- Always use a condom.
Your health is in your hands and the hands of your sexual partners. Knowing your partner and having open communication with them is a vital part of a healthy sexual relationship.
This STI Awareness Week, and moving forward, let’s empower ourselves with knowledge and make informed choices for a healthy future.
Those needing to schedule a reproductive health exam or an STI test can call the Tuscarawas County Health Department Medical Office at 330-343-5555, ext. 1810.
Citations: https://www.cdc.gov/sti-awareness/about/index.html