This article was inspired by my last medical checkup. I just changed my primary care provider hence had to experience the dreaded Sexual Health questions. However, the ordeal is usually made more palatable since my doctors’ reactions to my answers tend to be rather amusing. The doctors typically start off with “Are you currently sexually active?” to which I reply in the affirmative. The question that follows usually has following flavor “Do you use birth control/contraceptive/condoms?” At this point, I start bracing myself for what comes afterwards- I’d tell my doctor that I don’t use any birth control/contraceptive/condoms and get lectured on the dangers of unprotected sex or about having responsible sex. Before I get scolded any further, I’d quickly point out to that my sexual partner is female. Most doctors let up at that point (after blushing, or being briefly shocked silence) but this new doctor is particularly persistent about safe sex. She talked about possible STD risks in female on female sexual activities which made me curious to learn more about STDs. I decided to interview another doctor friend of mine and supplement the information with some research of my own.

Please note that I am by no means an expert in sexual health. If you have any questions or concerns about your sexual health, I highly recommend that you get expert advice with a doctor.

What is STD?
STD is short for Sexually Transmitted Diseases. The main ones include HIV, Herpes, HPV, Gonorrhea, Chlamydia, Syphilis and Hepatitis B. STD spreads from one infected person to another from sexual activities

What constitute sexual activities?
If you don’t know what sexual activities are, then I think you are not quite ready to read this article quite yet. However, a key fact to highlight is that STD can spread even when there is no sexual intercourse (penile/finger/other objects penetration) during sexual activity. Oral sex (oral-anal, fellatio, cunnilingus) can also put individuals at risk. In fact, any activity that finds the individual having contact with another person’s bodily fluids puts the individual at risk of getting STD. This includes masturbating with shared/used sex toys.

How do you know if you contracted STD?
Some STDs has no symptoms weeks, even months after you have gotten them. When in doubt, you should go for a doctor’s appointment and request a sexual health check up immediately. Your doctor should be able to give you one. General rule of thumb is that if you are sexually activity (irrespective of whether you are in a monogamous relationship), you should have a sexual health check up at least once a year.

Is having protected sex enough?
Having protected sex certainly a good start at preventing STD but there are several other factors to consider. Some form of protection may actually exacerbate conditions. For example, spermicide on some condoms can cause irritation on sensitive anal walls which in turn may cause bleeding i.e. higher risk of contracting STD.

Though abstinence and masturbation may be the only way to truly remain STD-free, monogamy is the next best option. A monogamous sexual relationship is defined as having sex with the same partner who also only has sex with you. Being a serial monogamist doesn’t count since although you have sex with one partner at a time, you are still exposing yourself to multiple individuals whose sexual history is may or may not be known.

Another important factor in preventing STD is the ability to converse openly and honestly about sexual health. At minimum, you should be comfortable discussion your sexual health and concerns with your doctor.

Is it true that a woman having sex with another woman has the lowest chance of contracting STD?
STDs are transferred through contact with bodily fluid which includes sperm, blood (from cuts, abrasion, mouth wounds/sore, and menstruation), vaginal discharges etc. A woman engaging in sex with another woman is still at risk especially if there has been any bodily fluid contact. This includes touching yourself after touching your partner.

Is it true that a man having sex with another man has the highest chance of getting STD?
The individual at most risk of contracting sexual transmitted diseases is the recipient (being at the receiving end) of unprotected anal intercourse (with or without exchange of bodily fluid) especially with a sexually active individual who has had multiple sexual partners. In other words, anyone engaging in anal intercourse (male or female) is at high risk.

So, are bisexuals at a high risk?
The fact is the more individuals you have sex with, the higher your chances of getting an STD. If you are a celibate bisexual, you are should be safe from STD.

Are married couples safe from STD?
Not really. A) You never know if your spouse is truly monogamous. B) Your spouse’s and your past sexual history may catch up with you since some STD can surface weeks, months, even years later.