In Singapore, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are seldom discussed, as sex is often considered a taboo topic. Because of this, many Singaporeans lack sufficient knowledge about STDs and how to prevent them, despite being willing and able to engage in sexual activity.
While the characteristics of STDs can vary greatly between diseases, they all are transmitted through sexual activity. However, completely abstaining from sex is sometimes not feasible and practised by many. Hence, it is best for everyone to learn about STDs, how to prevent them and the treatment you can receive from STD clinics in Singapore. Here are three most important facts you need to know about STDs.
1. STDs can be transmitted in multiple ways
While we know STDs to be mainly transmittable through vaginal or anal sex, those are not the only methods of transmission. It is possible for some STDs to transmit through oral sex, kissing or even skin contact. For instance, the human papillomavirus (HPV), one of the most common STDs, transmits through skin-to-skin contact. Syphilis, another STD, can be transmitted through direct contact with a syphilis sore.
Unprotected oral sex also puts you at a higher risk for STDs such as syphilis, hepatitis B and gonorrhoea. The best way to prevent STDs is to always use protection such as condoms during sexual activity, regardless of whether there is penetration. Should you experience symptoms, such as sores or warts, and you think that it might be caused by an STD, it might be worthwhile to visit an STD clinic.
2. While all STDs are treatable, not all are curable
Some STDs can be easily treated, however, there are certain viral infections that remain incurable. For instance, patients with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) will live with the virus in their bodies for their entire lives. Though medicine is available to suppress the effects of HIV on a patient’s body, there is no cure for the virus at the time of writing.
Other STDs caused by viruses, such as HPV, hepatitis B and genital warts, are also incurable. Because of this, it is best to protect ourselves from such STDs by engaging safely in sexual activity. After all, prevention is better than cure. In the rare event that a condom breaks during sex, it is recommended that you seek HIV PEP, prescribed medication available in STD clinics, that can reduce the chances of your body from being infected with HIV.
3. Some patients with STDs will not display symptoms
One misconception about STDs is that we are always able to tell who has STDs through symptoms such as pain in the genitalia or visible skin conditions near the genitalia. However, that is not the case. There are multiple STDs that are asymptomatic.
Patients with STDs such as chlamydia may not display any symptom, but can still transmit the disease to others through sexual contact. Because of this, we should never assume that someone does not have STDs simply because they look and claim to be healthy. Engaging in safe sex is the best option – especially when having sex with a new partner.
These 3 facts about STDs highlight the importance of STD prevention through methods such as condoms and going for STD testing. To book an appointment, please contact Elyon Clinic at 6802 7208.
