When it comes to STD prevention, keep the conversation going
A couple that is sexually active may want to make sure that the communication stays open, especially in the bedroom. This could mean that they need to take time and talk to each other about the importance of practicing safe sex, with females being sure to speak up about their partner wearing a condom during intercourse. As sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) continue to affect millions of people in the U.S., keeping an open dialogue about safe sex practices may be the key to prevent others from contracting an unwanted disease.
Vanessa Cullins, the vice president of Medical Affairs at Planned Parenthood Federation of America, writes in the Huffington Post that one person can truly only know their own sexual history. This could mean that they use contraceptives such as condoms with their partner until they are comfortable enough to go without. Additionally, Cullins writes that while talking to a partner about safe sex practices is important, so is verbally spreading the message to others in order to educate them.
According to the National Prevention Information Network, of the 19 million new STD infections each year, nearly half of those infected are between the ages of 15 and 24. This suggests that it's important to talk to younger individuals about the importance of using such protection as condoms in order to ensure that they're not paying for a mistake later with an STD. The CDC reports that Trichonomiasis is the most common STD each year, with more than 7.4 million Americans getting infected annually. Although most people do not show symptoms, those who have the disease and do not get treated may increase their risk of HIV.