condoms and STDs

[wynken.livejournal.com]

Sometimes i fear that many ladies don't understand that condoms don't prevent the spread of ALL STDs. nope nope they do not.

Comments

[tonapah.livejournal.com]

What are you suggesting people do instead? I was under the impression that condoms (aside from dental dams) were pretty much the only STD precaution out there.

[geminigirl]

Using a (latex) condom consistently and correctly, each time, everytime, will significantly reduce the risk of contracting an STD. It's not infalliable. Most condom failures are however caused by human error.

If there are HPV or herpes sores that aren't covered by the condom, it's possible to contract either virus. Sores don't have to be visible for the virus to be present-viral shedding can occur preceeding or in between outbreaks. Herpes viruses are the ones that cause cold sores around the mouth as well, and it's possible to pass the virus mouth to mouth. (Cold sores are different from canker sores)So yes, it's true, condoms aren't perfect. One can reduce the risk by using condoms (or other barriers) as appropriate for any sex act-oral, anal, vaginal sex, or analingus.

The only one hundred percent way to guarantee you're not going to contract an STD is to not have sex. In the absence of that, your best bet is to protect yourself by talking about your history, and knowing your partners, and by using barriers each and every time.

[shadowrogue.livejournal.com]

The only one hundred percent way to guarantee you're not going to contract an STD is to not have sex.

Exactly! And yet, whenever anything resembling abstinence is mentioned or suggested, people get all upset.

[geminigirl]

I don't know...we get upset at work if we hear "abstinence only" but my job is doing HIV/STD and substance abuse prevention/education with adolescents and young adults and we never ever ever give a presentation without talking about abstinence. I sometimes wonder if we talk about it enough, but we certainly do talk about it.

Re:

[wynken.livejournal.com]

with reason :P

[ninaf.livejournal.com]

You and your partner should get tested before you engage and such activities.

Re:

[wynken.livejournal.com]

still can't get tested for HPV though. there is no test yet besides a pap smear. (which isn't really a test at all)

[ninaf.livejournal.com]

How to test for HPV (http://www.ivillagehealth.com/experts/womens/qas/0,11816,234287_127950,00.html)

[mactavish.livejournal.com]

And according to my doctor, current estimates are that about 50% of women have HPV, but the huge majority don't know it. It can be in the body for up to 10 years without manifesting itself, and even when it shows up, it's not always obvious. I just assume everyone's got HPV, and go with that.

[devilbunnie.livejournal.com]

50% of women or 50% of sexually active women?