The Very Real Dangers of Sexually Transmitted Diseases & How to Protect Yourself

STDs are very easily contracted, as you probably know, especially so if you have multiple sleeping partners and enjoy casual sexual encounters (nothing wrong in that), you need to take measures to protect yourself. We live in an age of acceptance, something that has emerged since the turn of the century; it is no longer a big deal to ‘come out of the closet’ and the LBGT community is thriving.

Sexually Transmitted Diseases

The list of sexually transmitted diseases includes the following:

• HIV – This attacks the immune system and with drugs, the condition can be managed. HIV first emerged in the 1970s and great progress has been made with drugs. It is commonly associated with anal sex but can be transmitted during vaginal sex.
• HPV – Commonly known as herpes, this can be transmitted via contact in the genital area.
• Gonorrhoea – Common in young adults, gonorrhoea can be passed through anal, vaginal and oral sex.
• Chlamydia – Anyone can contract this bacterial infection and there are often no symptoms; chlamydia is treated with antibiotics and using a condom is an effective prevention.
• Syphilis – A form of bacteria, syphilis affects the mouth, genital and anal area. The sores can come and go and it should be treated as soon as possible.

If you are free and single, you should visit your local STD clinic every 3 months and the peace of mind that comes with testing is worth the small cost. As mentioned earlier, some STDs do not always have symptoms, so regular tests are required.

Here are a few ways that you can protect against sexually transmitted diseases.

• Non-penetrative sex – Why not make good use of your amazing vibrator while your partner watches? If no intercourse takes place, the odds are drastically reduced but not completely removed, as some viruses can be passed with close contact. If you have yet to explore the world of sex aids, Google can take you to a leading German online store and you can check out the huge catalogue of fun toys and aids.
• Use condoms – This should be standard practice if you have more than one partner and the online store can send you a bulk order in discreet packaging. This applies to vaginal, anal and oral sex. Many STDs are passed on through bodily fluids, so wearing a condom prevents contact; they have some unique flavours like strawberry, banana and many more. 
• Vaccinations against Hepatitis B and HPV – Search online for an ‘STD clinic near me’ and make an online booking for this vaccination. Talk to a healthcare professional about the risks of STDs and they would have info leaflets that detail prevention methods.

The dangers of STDs are ever present and this is reason enough to take precautions, while having regular tests at your local STD clinic ensures that you are in good health.