Sex is a subject that many South Africans prefer not to talk about or discuss with their children. This is understandable as we regard sex as a very private matter. However, with so many people getting HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases we now need to change our attitude and start learning to talk about sex and how to avoid or treat these diseases, some of which are dangerous and can even kill.
Sexually transmitted diseases or infections (STIs), as they are more often called today, are infections people get from one another through sexual activity and include HIV/Aids, syphilis, genital herpes, genital warts, gonorrhoea and others. STIs are very common in South Africa. Indeed we have one of the highest HIV infection rates in the world. Diseases such as syphilis and gonorrhoea are also widespread.
As part of the Government Employees Medical Scheme's (GEMS) ongoing effort to educate our members and future members on a range of healthcare topics, we would like to provide you with some valuable information on sexually transmitted infections and the importance of condoms.
Some STIs are easily cured while others stay with us for life, but can be treated and often controlled using medicines. If they are left untreated some can cause infertility or even death. Certain STIs have been shown to make the transmission of the HIV/Aids virus from person to person easier. It is therefore very important to go to a doctor or clinic if you think that you may have one of these illnesses.
There are only two sure ways we can avoid getting these infections; the one being to avoid having sex with other people completely and the other is to be in a relationship with a partner or partners who is/are not infected.
Some religions argue that people should not have sex until they are married (abstinence) and suggest that this would solve the STI problem because both partners would remain uninfected. As is evident from the high levels of STI infections around the world however, this course of action is not acceptable to a lot of people.
Having a relationship with a partner who is not infected with an STI is another way to avoid catching one. Is your partner really being honest about his or her sexual history though? Can we really be sure that he or she does not have an STI and is not having sex with other partners? These questions are important for an individual in a relationship to be able to answer because you do not want your partner to be putting your life and health at risk. Ask your partner if they will be tested for HIV/Aids and others STIs. If they are serious about your relationship they will be happy to do so.
Using condoms during sex is another means of greatly reducing the risk of STI infection. Condoms were first designed to prevent pregnancy, but have been shown to be very effective in helping prevent STI infection. They have been around for many years. There is a condom designed for use by both males and females. The female condom is not yet as popular as the male condom perhaps because it is relatively expensive and some women find it difficult to use. However, like the male condom it is however effective in preventing pregnancy and the contraction of STIs if used correctly.
Both male and female condoms act as barriers to keep semen, vaginal fluids and blood from passing from one person to another during sex. These fluids carry the infectious ‘bugs' from the infected person to the recipient.
Both male and female condoms have been shown in studies to be highly effective in preventing pregnancy and STIs if they are PROPERLY and CONSISTENTLY used. Condoms must be used during every sexual encounter you have if they are to be effective. Deciding to ‘take a chance' exposes you to the risk of contracting an STI or unwanted pregnancy.
Male condoms can be bought over the counter at many stores and shops or obtained free-of-charge from public health clinics. They come in a number of makes, sizes, materials and designs. Make sure that the ones you get are the correct size, as you don't want them to break or slip off during use. Medium-sized ones are adequate for most men to use.
Most condoms are made either out of latex or polyurethane. Latex is still the most common and popular, but each has advantages over the other. Polyurethane for example allows a better exchange of body heat than latex and can be used by those few individuals who are allergic to latex. Latex, on the other hand, tends to be more elastic and a tighter fit.
Condoms may be dry or lubricated and come with or without spermicide. The spermicide Nonoxynol-9 was once thought to further improve protection against pregnancy and the contraction of STIs, but it is now thought that the reverse might be the case. Do not use oil-based lubricants with latex condoms as they can cause the latex to deteriorate. Rather stick to a water-based lubricant.
Condoms do not often fail (break or tear). However, they are more likely to fail if they have not been looked after properly or if they have been mishandled. If you are going to keep latex condoms in your pocket or car replace them after a few weeks as latex degrades in warm conditions.
Take care not to damage the condom when you open the package and avoid using your teeth for this as you could create a tear in it. Also ensure that the condoms you get have not passed their expiry date. Expired condoms may have lost their elasticity and/or strength and may also fail.
Novelty condoms such as chocolate flavoured ones do not usually offer protection against pregnancy or STIs, so if it is protection you want do be sure to check on the package that they are proper condoms.
If you have trouble fitting on a condom you are probably trying to put it on the wrong way around. Try another condom the other way around and see if that works better. Using two condoms - one on top of another does not improve protection and has actually been shown to reduce it.
Some individuals say they don't like using condoms because they say they reduce pleasure and interrupt sexual activity. However, condoms can be introduced as part of foreplay and can heighten pleasure if used creatively. They can also save your life so try and make them a consistent part of your sex life. Once you get used to putting them on they don't cause much interruption in your lovemaking.
If you are a parent with sexually active children, try to speak to them about sex and the possible consequences to their actions. HIV/Aids is spreading quickest among young people, many of whom tend to think that they are invulnerable and that nothing can hurt them. Have you told them they can easily get pregnant or get someone pregnant if they practice unprotected sex? Do they know they can pick up an STI that may change their life forever? If you think they may be practicing unsafe sex speak to them about the dangers and encourage them to use condoms.
Religious bodies such as the Catholic Church are against the use of condoms because they say it encourages the practice of sex, which can be unsafe whether one uses a condom or not. This is because the condom may break or not protect all areas of the skin during intercourse adequately. It may also fall off exposing partners to one another's skin and sexual fluids. Like other churches and religious movements the Catholic Church therefore argues for abstinence until marriage. For various reasons the Catholic Church is also against the use of all other forms of contraception.
Those who are pro-condom use argue that condoms may not provide us with complete protection, but it is a very comprehensive protection if condoms are used correctly and consistently. And if one is going to have sex, condoms are one of the only real protections we have in our battle against STIs.
Whatever route you choose to follow in your life, be sure not to have high-risk sex that may result in you catching an STI or having to deal with an unwanted pregnancy. And if you are a parent speak to your children about their actions and the possible consequences of these. A little restraint and common sense can go a long way to keeping us safe.
Why should we use condoms? *
*Adapted from the Public Health Agency of Canada's website www.phac-aspc.gc.ca.
If you have any more questions on STIs and condoms you can phone the GEMS call centre on 0860 00 4367 or send a SMS to 083 450 4367. GEMS will assist you in every way possible to ensure your family's health and well-being.
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