(A) What are Sexually Transmitted Infections?
Sexually Transmitted Infections are diseases that are transmitted through sexual contact. Common STIs include Syphilis, Gonorrhoea, Non-specific Genital Infection, Genital herpes, Genital warts, Pubic lice, Trichomoniasis and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS).
(B) Mode of transmission
Sexually Transmitted Infections usually spread through three ways:
a) Through direct sexual contact
Sexual intercourse with an infected person, include:
- Vaginal sex (penis-vagina)
- Oral sex (mouth-genital)
- Anal-sex (penis-anus)
b) From mother to baby
From infected mother to her baby during pregnancy or at birth.
c) Through blood
- Blood transfusion
- Sharing of contaminated instruments
e.g. used razor blades, tattoo or acupuncture needles.
Sexually Transmitted Infections are not transmitted through social contacts such as:
Shaking hands, having meals together, using public toilets and towels, swimming in a public swimming pool etc.
So far there is no evidence to indicate that insect bites can transmit Sexually Transmitted Infections.
(C) Preventive measures of Sexually Transmitted Infections
Have a positive attitude towards a healthy sex life:
- Do not be promiscuous
- Single partner
- Practise safe sex
(D) What is safe sex?
Safe sex means sexual intercourse which avoids direct contact with partner’s body fluid like vaginal secretion, semen, blood etc. Sexual practices can be grouped into three categories:
Safe Sex
- Solo sex
- Mutual masturbation
- Watching the naked body of the partner
- Caressing
- Skin kissing
- Dry kiss (without contact with saliva)
Moderately safe sex
- Wet kiss(contact with saliva)
- Sexual intercourse using condom (vaginal, anal)
- Oral sex using condom or barrier (vagina, anus, penis)
Unsafe sex
- Sexual intercourse (vaginal, anal) not using condom
- Sexual intercourse (vaginal) during menstruation
- Unprotected oral sex (direct contact with semen or vaginal secretions)
- Sharing of unclean sex aids
＊ The risk of contracting the AIDS virus is increased with open wounds or untreated Sexually Transmitted Infections.
In order to protect yourself and your partner, will you
- Practise safe sex?
- Avoid risky sexual behavior?
- Use condom properly during sexual intercourse?
(E) If you do not adopt a positive and healthy sexual behavior, you may have the following consequences: Personal
- Contract Sexually Transmitted Infections
- Emotional disturbances
- Genital infection and pain
- Damage to the reproductive organs, leading to infertility
- Damage to other organs such as brain, heart and bones etc.
- Death
Family
- The sex partner may be infected
- Infected pregnant women may transmit the disease to the foetus
- Family dispute
- Broken marriage
- Broken parental relationship
(F) What if you adopt a positive and healthy sexual behavior? Personal
- Physical and mental well-being
- No risk of contracting Sexually Transmitted Infections
Family
- Protects the health of family members
- Harmonious family relationship
- Enhance better parental relationship
(G) WHAT IS YOUR CHOICE?
For more health information, please call:
AIDS HOTLINE : 2780 2211
DR. SEX HOTLINE : 2337 2121
DH 24-hour Health Education Hotline : 2833 0111
or visit:
Centre for Health Protection web site
http://www.chp.gov.hk
DH Central Health Education Unit web site
http://www.cheu.gov.hk
