How much do you really know about sexually transmitted infections (STIs)? The following facts could save your life, or at least, prevent an embarrassing visit to the doctor.
Take action:
Many STIs have no visible symptoms at all – just because someone looks healthy, you cannot assume it is safe to have unprotected sex with them; use a condom, even during oral sex – this can prevent most STIs (but not pubic lice); be aware of chlamydia – adolescent women are particularly prone to this STI, which can lead to infertility and can go undetected for years; herpes, genital warts and HIV are all incurable – in the case of the first two, treatment can relieve the symptoms, but no medication can make any of these three STIs disappear; the risk of cervical cancer rises with HPV infection – women who have been diagnosed with HPV should go for a Pap smear every six months.