There is always a risk of contracting a sexually transmitted disease when a person has sex. The probability increases when one has multiple sexual partners or ignores safe sex practices. If you are sexually active, it is advisable for you to be aware of the proper precautions to protect yourself and others.
Unfortunately, it is also possible for you to contract more than one STD at the same time. Medical professionals refer to this as co-infection. A co-infection may occur when you have had various sex partners since your last STD testing or if you have slept with a partner who has two STDs. But why is it possible to get multiple STDs, and how can you reduce your risk of co-infection? Allow us to shed more light on this subject matter.
Is it possible to get multiple STDs?
The answer to this question is yes. This is because STDs stem from specific pathogens such as viruses, parasites, or bacteria, meaning any given person can carry more than one of these infectious agents within their body at any given time. When a person is diagnosed with multiple STDs, they can transmit either one or both of these diseases to their partner if they engage in unprotected sex.
STDs are often closely connected
Through years of research, scientists have determined that some STDs are highly likely to occur alongside one another, and such a phenomenon may actually be quite common. An example of such pairings is gonorrhoea and chlamydia, as well as gonorrhoea and syphilis. Contracting two or more STDs is defined as co-infection, and there are plenty of factors that can increase your risk of getting diagnosed with more than one STD.
If you’ve already contracted one STD, you are more susceptible to contracting another, as the behaviour that puts you at risk of one infection, such as engaging in unprotected sex, will often put you at risk of contracting other diseases. Moreover, an inflammation or sore caused by an STD, such as exposed genital wards, may allow infection with HIV, which an intact skin would have otherwise prevented.
How to lower your risk of co-infection
The measures you should take to avoid a co-infection are identical to the methods provided for preventing any STDs. Let us share some of these preventive measures:
1. Stick to a monogamous relationship
One of the safest measures to minimise your risk is to only have sex with one partner for any given period of time while exercising safe sex practices.
2. Go for regular STD screenings
Frequent STD screenings, such as HIV testing, provide you and your partner with much-needed peace of mind when the results are negative. If you are sexually active, undergoing regular STD screenings is a must.
3. Avoid sharing toiletries
Sex is not the only way an STD can be transmitted. These diseases can also be transmitted through contact with the infected body fluids, such as blood. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid sharing common toiletries like a razor.
Conclusion
Now that you have gained a better understanding of the risk of co-infection, it is vital for you to take extra precautions to lower your risk if you have not done so already. At Elyon Clinic, we provide confidential sexual health check-ups for our patients. If you suspect that you or your partner could be at risk of catching an STD, do not hesitate to contact us at 6802 7208 to book an appointment immediately.
