Murals (2008) by PHANTAST - Graffiti - Cultural Music & Art Association inc. - 98 Milne St. Benleigh
STI's.
Are sexually transmittted infections (STI's) still a problemin the 21st century?
Don't condoms prevent STI's? And AIDS is rare in non drug-users isn't it?
Unfortunately, STI's often are 'silent' infections, that cause few problems in the short-term.
You probably know that it's important to hold the tip of a condom before rolling it down the penis. This allows a space for the semen to collect, to avoid pressure buid-up and the condom breaking.
The infections that we want to avoid include:
a. Chlamydia - blocks the ovarian tubes, later causing fertility problems in a female. It is tested for by taking a swab of your cervix (so consider getting a female doctor). It is treated by an antibiotic.
b. Gonorrhoea - also causes later problems with female fertility. It is tested for by taking a urine sample. It is also treated by an antibiotic.
c. Herpes simplex - this is associated with later cancer of the cervix. There is no specific treatment. However, a vaccination is available, and it reduces your cancer risk.
Suggestion: Carry a condom if you feel that you are pregressing towards sexual activity. After all, it is not the guys future fertility or cervix that is at risk.
VAGINA AND URINE INFECTION.
You can be a nun and still get a vaginal infection. It's generally a problem in summer and hot climates, and more common with the contraceptive pill.
Known as 'thrush', it is an itchy overgrowth of normally occurring vaginal fungi (Candida Albicans). The prevention is to add acidic vinegar to the bath water. Treatment is with vaginal pessaries (anti-fungal cream inserted into the vagina).
A urine infection was the cause of death of a famous Brazilian model in 2008. Urine infections are more common after sexual activity as the physical contact, and increased moisture allows normally occurring germs on the skin to travel upwards.
The prevention is to drink water before sexual activity and go to the bathroom after. Germs will then wash out when you pass urine.
Treatment is with antibiotics, and urinary alcalinisers (Ural and Citravescent) that are available at pharmacies.
Suggested rule: Go to the toilet within 30 min after sexual activity.