Sexually Transmitted Diseases - Prevention

Sexually transmitted diseases can be prevented in a number of ways, including the use of vaccinations, lifestyle choices, safer sex practices, and hygienic measures.

Vaccines

Vaccines have been developed for a few STDs, such as hepatitis A and hepatitis B. A vaccine (pronounced vak-SEEN) is a material that that causes the body's immune system to build up resistance to a particular disease. Individuals at risk for these infections should be vaccinated against them. Researchers are continually looking for vaccines against other sexually transmitted diseases.

Lifestyle Choices

The risk of contracting a sexually transmitted disease is very much related to choices one makes about one's sexual activity. Abstinence (avoiding sexual activity altogether) may be the best method of avoiding STDs.

In general, the larger the number of sexual partners a person has, the greater the risk he or she has of contracting an STD. Among sexually active people, the risk of contracting an infection is lowest for those who are in monogamous (pronounced muh-NOG-uh-muss) relationships (couples who have no sexual partners outside of their relationship).

It is also important to know the health status of a prospective sexual partner. Sexual activity with prostitutes or anonymous partners increases the risk of contracting STD. Discussing one's sexual health with a prospective partner is an important health precaution.

One can also choose to take part or not take part in intravenous drug use. Intravenous drug use often involves sharing needles with other people who may be infected with an STD. Some sexually transmitted infections are easily spread in blood passed from one person to another.

Use of Condoms and Other Contraceptives

The term safer sex is used to describe a number of techniques that can be used during sexual activity to avoid contracting an STD. The concept is that sexual activity can be both pleasurable and safe by taking a few simple precautions.

Perhaps the most effective precaution one can use during sexual activity is a condom. When properly used, a condom is very effective in preventing the transmission of bodily fluids from one person to another.

Spermicides (substances that kill sperm) and diaphragms are also somewhat effective in preventing the spread of STDs. But they are not totally effective and do not prevent the spread of some organisms, such as HIV. Either or both of these, when used with a condom, can decrease the chance of spreading and STD.

Hygienic Measures

Cleanliness is always an important factor in avoiding the spread of any disease. However, careful washing alone is not very effective against most organisms that cause STDs. The organisms are often able to penetrate far up into the body, where they will not be affected by soap and water.