Staying Clean
Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Worldwide, over one million new cases of curable STDs (sexually transmitted diseases) are reported daily. Yes, daily. The truth is that many STDs are completely treatable, and the ones that we don’t yet have a cure for, can be managed with medication. Failing to do so can lead to complications like infertility, cancer and increased risk for contracting HIV/AIDS!
Nearly 6% of the Indian population has one or more STDs, as per the latest (2002-03) estimates by the Indian Council of Medical Research. About 30 to 35 million new STD cases emerge every year in the country. Young people in the age group of 16 to 24 years and women are most at risk. STDs are infections that spread through sexual contact. Most people think that they would know from the symptoms if they get an STD, but many sexually transmitted infections (STIs) don’t really have apparent signs. So, unless you get a test, you won’t know for sure. You could also be a carrier: which means that you might not have any symptoms but can still spread the infection to others.
Who is at risk?
All sexually active people are at risk of STDs, no matter what their gender, age, or frequencyof sex. STIs can spread through vaginal sex, oral sex, anal sex or even skin to skin contact. Even if you practice safe sex, you may get an STD.
Ways to prevent STDs
- Avoid having sex with multiple partners.
- Always use condoms. Condoms, especially latex ones, are really effective against STIs that spread through bodily fluids.
- Do not share needles.
- Get vaccinated against Hepatitis B and HPV.
- If you doubt that you or your partner may have an STD, talk to a doctor as soon as possible.
Keeping your Reproductive organs clean
For Women
- Wash all new underwear before you wear it (and for regular washing)with a small amount of mild unscented detergent. Rinse laundry well or use the extra rinse cycle on your washing machine to remove all of the detergent.
- Wear underwear with a cotton crotch. Avoid wearing thong style underwear as they can irritate your vulva.
- NEVER douche or use feminine deodorant sprays, bubble bath, wipes, bath oils, or other perfumed products on your vulva or in your vagina as they can cause irritation, allergic reactions, or remove the natural fluid that keeps your vagina clean. These products are NOT necessary and may be harmful.
- Avoid tight fitting clothing.
- Use mild soap and warm water to clean around the opening to your vagina. Do NOT place soap into your vagina.
For Men
- Wash the genitals everyday. The penis, scrotum, anus, as well as the pubic hair should be washed everyday with a mild soap and water.
- After urinating, you must shake the penis gently so as to expel the remaining drops of urine. You must also wipe the area dry.
- The anus should be wiped dry with a tissue or cleaned with water after a bowel movement.
- You must make it a habit to wash your hands after urinating and after cleaning the anus as germs can easily spread through hands.
- The base of the penis and the testicles also need to be cleaned daily to avoid a strong sweaty smell from the pubic hair.
Created by Ethan Enriquez & Jose Durango