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STIs: how to stay safe

How much do you really know about STIs? The following facts could save your life, or at least, prevent an embarrassing visit to the doctor.

Be condom-wise
Using a condom, even during oral sex, can prevent most STIs (but not pubic lice). It can also prevent pregnancy.

Chlamydia is catching
Adolescent women are particularly prone to this STI, and among women it's the most common STI in developed countries. It can also go undetected for years and can lead to infertility. Be aware of the dangers.

From mother to child
An infected mother can transmit some STIs to her foetus or newborn child.

Barring all
Dental dams (for oral sex), and latex or polyurethane condoms, when used correctly, provide effective barriers to STIs.

Cervical cancer risk
The risk of cervical cancer rises with human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. Women who have been diagnosed with HPV, should go for a Pap smear every six months.

More than meets the eye
You never know whether anyone is safe just by looking at them. Many STIs have no visible symptoms at all, so just because someone looks healthy, you cannot assume it's safe to have unprotected sex with them.

Here to stay
Herpes, genital warts and HIV are all incurable. In the case of the first two, treatment can relieve the symptoms but no medication can make any of these three STIs disappear.

Safer sex or no sex
There's no point in taking chances. One brief sexual encounter can have life-long consequences.

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