Do you know that there are sexual transmitted diseases you can get even when you use condoms? Yes, there are chances of getting STDs with condoms.
Do you know the STDs that condoms do not protect? How effective are condoms against STDs? Many people ask questions like this because they want to know if they can get STD while using a condom.
Protection methods like wearing condoms are good at preventing sexually transmitted diseases by blocking the exchange of genital fluids. They are effective in preventing STDs like hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, HIV, syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea.
The disadvantage of this barrier method is that condoms do not entirely prevent transmission of all STDs because some STDs can be transmitted from skin to skin contact.
In essence, it is advisable to go for regular medical checkups, especially if you have multiple lovemaking partners.
Below are 5 STDs You Can Get While Wearing A Condom:
1. Genital Herpes
Genital herpes is a common viral STD marked by genital sores and pain. It usually results in sores or lesions on the upper thighs, genitals or anus. Since some sores or lesions are found in areas that are exposed during condom use, transmission of infection is possible.
Genital Herpes is one STD that spreads very easily. It affects more than 1.5 million people yearly. Genital Herpes has no particular cure presently, but there are existence of certain treatment that could help manage the condition.
2. HPV (Human Papillomavirus)
HPV is the most common sexually transmitted disease globally. It is so rampant that most will get infected at one time or the other in their lifetime. This STD is caused by the human papillomavirus and may develop into genital warts in some cases. These warts can be found on the genitals; its presence in areas not covered by a condom makes infection easy. Even without genital warts, HPV infection can occur skin to skin.
There's no cure for the virus and warts may go away on their own. Treatment focuses on removing warts. Over time, warts or precancerous lesions increase the risk of cancer of the cervix, vulva, vagina, penis, anus, mouth, or throat which makes the virus a big health risk compared to the others.
3. Molluscum Contagiosum
Molluscum contagiosum is a skin infection caused by the virus known as Molluscum contagiosum. The condition spreads through contact with an infected person or a contaminated object. The virus causes tiny little bumps on the skin. The small bumps usually appear about two months after the time of infection.
Just like HPV, this infection is known to spread easily and affects more than 100 thousand people yearly in Nigeria alone. Fortunately, Molluscum Contagiosum can be easily and successfully treated within a few months.
4. Syphilis
Syphilis is another highly contagious disease spread by sexual activity, including vaginal, anal and mouth action. The good news is that syphilis is treatable and has fewer cases in Nigeria (fewer than 100 thousand cases per year) than other countries.
Syphilis develops as a round, firm sore. Though, wearing a condom decreases the chances of getting infected, but if the sores are located in areas not covered by the condom, it can still be transmitted.
5. Pubic Lice (Crab Lice)
Pubic lice (which is also called crab lice) are very small insects that infest your genital area, and feeds exclusively on your blood. It is common among teenagers and adults who keep a full pubic hair. The pubic lice are spread sexually by skin to skin contact. You can also be infected if you share bedding, clothing and use public toilet seats.
Improving your body hygiene by bathing regularly and shaving a lot more can help alleviate this condition, but you should also visit your local healthcare regularly for tests.
You can also use an over-the-counter lotion or anti-lice shampoos to remove the lice and its eggs.
Conclusion
The wearing of condoms is not 100% safe. Sexual abstinence remains the best and most reliable protection method against sexual transmitted diseases. If at all you must do it, make sure your chosen partner is tested and clean. Refrain from multiple partners and practice safe sex always. Remember, there are STDs that condoms do not protect.
Stay safe and healthy!
Comments