The writer of this blog post is Hivpoint´s Health Buddy 2022. The Health Buddies are Hivpoint´s advocates who spread knowledge about sexual health, including HIV and sexually transmitted infections, in migrant and refugee communities.
Many people are scared of or are unable to have a joyful sexual life because of fear of contracting STDs and STIs. Good news are that Hivpoint´s Health buddies are here to help you gain the knowledge to healthy sexuality and relationship!
How to protect yourself?
There are several methods that you can use to protect yourself from the STIs and enjoy sex without fear of getting STIs. These protection methods are available for everyone and some can be used for anal, vaginal or oral sex.
Use of condoms and/or dental dam
Using condom in the right way is effective in preventing STIs. This includes having the right size, making sure it is not expired, opening it the right way without causing tears and wearing it the correct way.
Condoms comes in different sizes and flavours, so they are suitable for everyone. For those allergic to latex condoms, non-latex condoms are also available is stores.
Dental dam can also be used during oral sex. This prevents spread of disease from mouth to the genitals or genitals to the mouth. Diseases like chlamydia, syphilis and gonorrhea can be spread through oral sex.
Read more about condoms and dental dams >>
Getting tested
Getting tested is for sure the best way to know if you have STI, hence preventing the spread. Most STIs may not show symptoms or may have symptoms like other infections so it may be difficult to know if you have STI until you get tested. Read more about HIV testing >>
PEP and PrEP
Medications such as PEP, Post-Exposure Prophylaxis for HIV, reduce your chances of getting HIV after exposure when taken correctly. PEP should be taken within 72 hours of potential exposure to HIV. Read more about PEP >>
PrEP, pre-exposure prophylaxis, is also used to prevent HIV infection but taken before exposure. It is recommended to use PrEP as a prevention method for people with the highest HIV risk. Read more about PrEP >>
HIV doesn´t transmit from a person who is on effective medication!
Modern medicine has made it possible for those living with HIV to have a normal sexual relationship without fear of transmitting the disease to their sex partners. Read more about the HIV treatment >>
You can get all the knowledge you need from Hivpoint how to have healthy sexual life. Let´s have the knowledge and not fear!
Belinda
Hivpoint´s Health Buddy 2022