Protection
It is impossible to protect 100% against the infection with a sexually transmitted disease. But your own behaviour can protect you so you can enjoy sex without worry. The most important measure in this is Safer Sex
. For some diseases, a vaccination has been developed in the recent past. Appropriate hygiene is important as well.
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Safer Sex. In safer sex, no body fluids are exchanged between humans. Neither semen nor vaginal fluids enter the body of the partner. |
The easiest way to practice Safer Sex is to wear a condom in vaginal intercourse or anal sex. Condoms can be bought nearly everywhere: in pharmacies, drugstores and supermarkets.
If you do this in the right way, condoms can provide a very good protection against infections. How to do this exactly, please read here.
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How to use a condom in the right way The first important thing is to avoid damage of the rubber of the condom (e. g. with the fingernails), when ripping open the condom package: Do not roll open the condom to check if it is okay! When you do this, it may become damaged. After that, press out the air of the reservoir of the condom with thumb and forefinger, to have space for the later ejaculation. After that, the condom can be rolled down on the stiff penis. If it doesn’t work properly of if by accident you put on the condom the wrong way (reel inside), better take a new one. After orgasm, the penis should best be withdrawn from anus or vagina as long as it is still stiff. Doing this, hold the condom to avoid that it slips off in withdrawing. Please take care that no semen is pressed out – this is very important! And please use a condom only once, and throw it away afterwards into the garbage and not in the toilet. It is important that you only use condoms carrying a „CE“sign with a control number, and that the date of expiration is not yet exceeded. In addition, the wrapping should not be damaged. Condoms need to be safe from pressure (purse, trouser pocket) and heat. For anal sex, there are also extra tearproof condoms. To facilitate the penetration of the penis into vagina or anus, many people use lubricants – please be aware, however, that condoms may only be used with fatfree and watersoluble lubricants. Oils and fat may affect the latex and can make a condom tear. If a woman prefers to contracept additionally with suppositories or foam, it is important to use fatfree products in this as well. In anal sex, a fatfree lubricant helps to reduce the pressure on the condom. |
In addition, it is important to take care not to take in semen when doing oral sex – in oral sex with men you can use a condom, in oral sex with women there is a special cloth (available in pharmacies and in anti-AIDS action committees) that can be used to cover the vagina. In any case, it is very much recommended to avoid contact with visible skin changes like spots, warts or abscesses. They can be a sign for an acute infection and may be contagious.
The most important thing is that you talk about safer sex with your partner – before you start having sex. This is nothing that must be feared. Usually, both sides will be happy that the subject is discussed, and sex can be experienced without fear.
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Vaccinations. There are some sexually transmitted diseases against which you can protect yourself by vaccination. |
The German Vaccination Committee recommends a vaccination against hepatitis B (usually administered together with Hepatitis A) and against Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) for young people, to be administered prior to the first sexual contact.
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Hygiene. Adequate hygiene also contributes to the protection against sexually transmitted diseases. Regular hygiene in the genital region helps to get a better feeling for your own body and to notice possible changes in an early state. |
For women it is very important, however, to take care that the natural bacterial balance is not damaged, which can easily happen by using vaginal douches, deodorants etc. in the genital region. As soon as the skin of the vagina becomes dry, it becomes easy for germs to penetrate.
Many germs love a warm and humid surrounding. For this reason, it’s a good idea to wear breathable clothes if possible (e. g. cotton underwear).
