Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) most commonly affect the wellbeing of people aged 15-24, as one in two sexually active young people will get an STI by the age of 25. When it comes to sexual health, knowledge is power and it’s important to equip yourself against these diseases, especially if you fall into this age category.
Nancy Jansen, director of Graham Health Centre, Oakland University, says that beside abstinence, male condoms are the best way to reduce the risk of infection. She urged, ‘Always, always, always wear a condom’ and ‘limit your partners’. According to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, condoms are particularly effective against infections transmitted by genital fluids, such as chlamydia, gonorrhoea, trichomoniasis and HIV.
A condom may not guard your wellness completely against infections that are transmitted through skin to skin contact, like human papilloma virus, genital herpes or syphilis, but Melissa Reznar, a visiting assistant professor in OU’s health sciences department, commented that, if used correctly, the failure rate of condoms in protecting against STIs is only 2%: ‘People need to be careful and know how to use them correctly because the failure rate can reach up to 15% if they are not used properly.’
Further, males who have sex with other males are at an increased risk for several STIs, including HIV, due to the nature of the intercourse. ‘Just by nature of the tissues that are involved, transmission from males to males is easier. With anal sex, you’ve got more potential for ripping of tissues and more exchange of bodily fluids that can occur,’ Reznar said. She added that, when it comes to HIV, ‘some of the treatments today are better, but it’s not a perfect world. You do have to take medications on a regular basis and there are still side effects associated with them.’
Jansen added that, as many STIs don’t have strong symptoms, ‘You need to get tested on a regular basis. Depending on how many different partners you’ve had, that type of thing would determine the frequency.’ In both men and women, some common symptoms are painful urination, discharge from the penis/vagina, bumps or sores on your genitalia, and vaginal soreness or itching. If you experience any of these symptoms, you should consult a doctor as soon as possible.
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