{"id":33556,"date":"2021-03-31T13:00:37","date_gmt":"2021-03-31T11:00:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lelo.com\/blog\/?p=33556"},"modified":"2021-04-09T08:15:31","modified_gmt":"2021-04-09T06:15:31","slug":"a-clean-bill-of-sexual-health","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lelo.com\/blog\/a-clean-bill-of-sexual-health\/","title":{"rendered":"A Clean Bill of Sexual Health (is a Dirty Phrase!)"},"content":{"rendered":"

\u201cA clean bill of sexual health\u201d is a phrase used to mean that you are STD free. But (we have to address the problems) let\u2019s talk about the trouble with this phrase. An STD is more accurately referred to as an STI (sexually transmitted infection), because not all infections lead to symptoms and diseases, especially in the short term. And what if you have an STI? Is your \u201cbill of health\u201d then dirty? And what would that make you, the bearer of said bill and STI?\u00a0 Presumably dirty by association, as is, it is implied, the activity that created the possibility for infection \u2013 sexual engagement (activity).<\/span><\/p>\n

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However, STIs are not \u201cdirty\u201d. And while they are related to sexual engagement, they do not happen because of personal hygiene practices or because sexual engagement (activity) is amoral or obscene. STIs are simply infections, caused by viruses, bacteria, and other infectious organisms. They are no more \u201cdirty\u201d than common respiratory illnesses such as a cold or even COVID. But, just like these, they are common and many of these may have serious repercussions.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

So how do you ensure you remain infection free? Again, like COVID, start by knowing your physical health and risk factors. Visit your physician, whether that is a general practitioner, a gynecologist, a urologist, or another for a physical. Then, when you decide to engage in sexual activity, protect yourself. The best methods for safer sex are barrier methods<\/a>. These are different from birth control, which is only for preventing pregnancy. Barrier methods, which also work to decrease the risk of pregnancy, are the only methods that decrease rates of STIs as well. They work by forming a barrier through which the infecting organism cannot pass. Think of them like COVID masks but all your sexually involved body parts. Barrier methods are not just the (male) condom, but are also the female (or insertive) condom as well as dental dams (a piece designed for cunnilingus or anal\/oral play) and medical grade gloves. And right now, in 2021, it might also include that face mask. When used consistently and correctly, these greatly reduce the risk of giving or getting an infective agent. To be clear, consistently and correctly means using them as per instructions, any time any of the sexual body parts come together, so also during oral stimulation and even during manual stimulation, especially if the skin on your hands is compromised.<\/span><\/p>\n

But greatly reduced risk is still NOT no risk. So, one must consider any sexual contact a potential to become exposed or infected (again, not dirtied, simply having had an opportunity to come in contact with an infectious organism, just like being out and about these days increases your COVID risk). And if you want to be truly safe and healthy, but still enjoy sexual contact, what do you do? Same thing you do if you want to make sure you don\u2019t have COVID \u2013 you get tested! This leads to the question of for what, and when (how frequently)?<\/span><\/p>\n

There are a number of STIs to be aware of and potentially test for (See Table 1). And while the symptoms (See Table 2) and consequences (See Table 3) of these STIs are varied, they include some serious and life-threatening outcomes, up to and including social stigma, emotional and mental distress, and potential for death. It is important to know about these, but they are not listed as scare tactics. Understanding these consequences is simply additional information to help you make and balance your personal pleasure supporting, yet risk reducing plan.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Table 1: STIs\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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