With the global spread of HIV/AIDS, having a healthy sex life is more important than ever. Notwithstanding of HIV/AIDS, there are many other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) that can be picked up through having unprotected sex.

Sexually transmitted diseases are passed on during sex through vaginal sex, anal sex (male or female), and oral sex, both vaginal and anal. The most common STDs include: herpes, chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis, scabies, crabs (pubic lice), and hepatitis. Anyone who is sexually active and not practicing safe sex can contract one or more of these diseases.

The symptoms of STDs vary or there may be no symptoms at all. Some common symptoms of sexually transmitted diseases can include: pain during sex or urination; cloudy discharge from the penis or vagina; genital sores, blisters, warts, ulcers, or rashes; itchiness of the genital area; and fever and excessive diarrhea.

The first thing you should do if you have had unprotected sex is to talk to your doctor about having a checkup. Do this even if you have no untoward signs or symptoms of an STD. Your doctor will then ask you standard questions regarding your sexual health and perform any number of tests, or refer you to a sexual health clinic for the tests.

The good news is that many types of sexually transmitted diseases are treatable through over-the-counter medication. The three types of infections are: bacteria, parasites, and viruses. Chlamydia is a bacterial infection, herpes is viral, and crabs parasitical. Bacteria and parasites are treated with antibiotics and medicated shampoos respectively. Viral STDs, on the other hand, are untreatable, yet the symptoms can be controlled.

As to prevention, short of abstaining, using condoms – male or female – is the way to go, by way of a barrier preventing the exchange of bodily fluids which may lead to you contracting an STD. Dams are primarily used for safe oral sex, where a thin piece of latex is placed over the vulva or anal area.

While most people are familiar with male condoms, which are available in a variety of outlets, female condoms are less obvious and more expensive. The good thing is, they can be inserted into the vagina several hours before having sex, yet they should never be used in conjunction with male condoms for fear of friction and possible resulting breakages.

General tips for condom use: use branded, correctly-sized condoms within the expiry date; make sure they are in good condition before use; do not use with oil-based products, such as Vaseline; and only use once.