Simple safe-sex practices can curb sexually transmitted disease epidemic in our country

Sexually transmitted infections are an epidemic in our country. Millions of people each year are diagnosed and treated for STDs. However, the prevention of these diseases and infections is very simple: wear a condom and get tested at least once a year.

There were 32,339 confirmed cases of Chlamydia in North Carolina from January 1st to December 31st 2009. There were 9,463 cases of Gonorrhea and 275 cases of Early Syphilis during the same time. In Guilford County alone; there were 2,994 cases of Chlamydia, 1,100 cases of Gonorrhea, and 67 cases of all stages of Syphilis. 128 people have HIV in Guilford County and 69 people have AIDS. It is important to everyone that we reduce these numbers.

Luckily most of these infections can be cured with medicine. However, these infections can only be cured if they are known about. The main problem with STDs is that often they are asymptomatic. Asymptomatic means that the disease does not always have physical or other symptoms. This is especially problematic in women whose reproductive organs are on the inside and harder to see. Men and women do not always know they are infected and then unintentionally infect other people. This is why getting tested is so important. Even when partners say and believe they’re clean, it does not mean they always are. If left alone, these diseases can harm reproductive organs that can lead to cancers, cysts, and infertility in both sexes. Syphilis in its later stage will also cause neurological damage and insanity.

Some STDs cannot be cured. Herpes and its symptomatic outbreak of genital warts are for life. HIV/AIDS is also for life and a crippling disease that will ultimately take the life of those it infects. Herpes outbreaks are not continuous and often infected people are asymptomatic as well. Neither of these diseases is easy to have in our current oversexed and undereducated society. These diseases are a very good reason to not take chances. Everyone should know their status and take preventative measures to stay that way.

Condoms have been proven successful at preventing disease along with pregnancy. Condoms work as a barrier method to prevent pregnancy. (Their pregnancy prevention rate is 95 percent effective if used properly.) But unlike a cervical cap or diaphragm, condoms completely separate the bodies with a thin, protective layer of latex or polyurethane. This prevents one infected partner from infecting the other. Condoms come in two forms, male and female. Everyone is familiar with the male condom, it is one of the most common and well-known types of birth control. The female condom works in a similar manner. It is shaped similarly and fits inside the vagina, unlike onto the penis. Another useful type of STD prevention is the dental dam. This rectangular piece of latex or polyurethane is useful to prevent diseases when performing oral sex on women. Latex gloves are successful for foreplay if your partner is or might be infected.

One reason so many people do not practice safe sex is because they are embarrassed by it. They are embarrassed to subtly admit to the Walgreens clerk or whoever they buy from that they are having sex. I feel no one should ever feel embarrassed about their sexual status. We should all support safe sex regardless. Luckily, for those who still have reservations, the anonymity of the internet can fix this problem. Condoms can be ordered online, even in bulk. Lady Gaga recently partnered with Jeremy Scott to produce a custom line of condoms for the brand Proper Attire for Planned Parenthood. They can be bought online. Most major brands like Trojan or Durex can also be bought online. Another good source is a buying offline in bulk, like buying from sites like Condom King. Condoms can be expensive so it makes sense if you’re having regular sex to have a stockpile.

So remember as you have sex or when you start having sex to be safe. Always use a condom and always get tested with new partners.