Why is it important to prevent STIs/STDs?
Most STDs can be cured or treated with medication. However, the consequences of ignoring it can include infertility, cervical cancer, pregnancy complications, congenital disabilities, pelvic inflammatory disease and an increased risk of HIV transmission.
How can the transmission of STIs/STDs be prevented?
The only effective way to completely prevent the transmission of STIs/STDs is abstinence. However, for sexually active persons, consistent and correct use of condoms is highly effective in preventing such infections or diseases.
Questions to ask your doctor?
There has almost always been a stigma around any STD, and it usually trickles down to anyone diagnosed with it. People also feel ashamed that they are somehow damaged. It is important to remember that only a few STDs could be life-threatening. However, with proper treatment, most of it has minimal health impacts. You can have a good life despite having an STD. The majority of it is treatable, and some are even curable. Those STDs for which there is not yet a cure, such as HIV, can still be manageable if adequately taken care of.
Here are a few questions you could ask your doctor:
Should I be checked for STIs?
Can I get an STI by open-mouth kissing?
What if I am pregnant?
Can STIs/STDs cause other health problems in women/men?
How can I prevent having STIs/STDs?
Suppose you are experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above or need any information on STIs and how to protect yourself or get tested. In that case, you can consult a Sexual Health specialist or an on-demand GP via the oDoc app.