Talking about sex is no longer taboo. One can discuss and be open about their likes, desires and preferences with their partners. However, one thing that still takes us back is the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases. People don’t talk about it often and they end up in trouble. According to a statement by the National Aids Control Organization in response to an RTI, India has seen more than 17 lakh HIV cases in the past 10 years.
The numbers are alarming. Despite several campaigns, HIV remains a less discussed topic, making it even more difficult to prevent. Preventing HIV is very simple, you just need to keep simple things in mind.
- Have protected sex
The only way to have sex is either to use a condom or not to use a condom at all. If you’re planning a family, it’s okay to indulge in unprotected sex. Otherwise, always use a condom, as this not only largely protects the sexually transmitted infection, but also protects you from urinary tract infections and unwanted pregnancies. If your partner is HIV-positive, protected sex is also safe and it can prevent you from developing the disease. - Avoid high-risk sexual activities
Many people experiment while having sex. However, to have a safe sexual session, you should try to avoid risky behaviors such as anal sex. According to hiv.gov, anal sex is the riskiest form of sex for contracting HIV. - Get medical advice for PrEP
If you have had multiple sexual partners in the past, it is always better to seek medical advice. Pre-exposure prophylaxis or PrEP is a type of medicine that is taken to prevent exposure to HIV. However, the medicine can only be taken after being prescribed by a medical professional. - Have an open conversation with your partner
Talking to your partner is the key to addressing the issue maturely. One should always have one-on-one conversations with their partner about HIV, sexual diseases, and other sex education topics. - Reduce sexual partners
Having multiple sex partners increases your risk of contracting a disease because you may not know the other person’s history or medical condition. It is always better to keep the numbers low and always enjoy safe sex with only one partner. - Know your HIV status
Every sexually active person should be checked at least once a year to find out their HIV status. This helps them detect the disease and, if they are ever contracted, start treatment at an earlier stage.
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