Different sexually transmitted diseases and HIV/AIDS can be transmitted in several forms of sexual contact – vaginal sex, oral sex or anal sex. Therefore, essentially, everyone is at risk of becoming infected, but we can protect our health if we want to and reduce the possibility of becoming infected.
Are there groups in the population that are at a greater risk than others? Yes.
Why is it important to know if you are in a high-risk group? So that you know to protect your health
:How will you know if you are at greater risk of becoming infected? Answer the following questions
- Do you always use a condom and do so correctly, or do you not use one at all?
- Do you tend to waive using a condom when your partner asks you to?
- Are you having sex with multiple partners? For example, have you had more than 10 sexual partners in the last three months?
- Do you have sex under the influence of drugs or alcohol?
- Are you being, or have you ever been, sexually assaulted on a regular basis?
- Are you physically and economically dependent on people who exploit you for sex, whether you are paid or not?
If you answered “yes” to at least one of the questions, then you are at high risk. Why?
Why should a condom be used properly? A condom should be used properly because it is the best protection against pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases and HIV. Using other contraceptives (the pill) may protect you from getting pregnant but not from sexually transmitted diseases. If you have not used condoms so far because you thought that it was difficult to put them on or you were concerned because you are not sure what is the best way to use them, then you can watch this video. An additional advantage to using condoms is that they are very accessible –they can be bought in any pharmacy and they can always be concealed in your wallet without anyone knowing about them. Do not rely on your partners to bring a condom, they may not be familiar with the risks the way you are, or may not be as responsible as you are. Take control of your health and be sure that you always have at least one condom in your purse. It is true that there are diseases that even a condom cannot protect you from (condyloma, herpes) because they are transferred by skin to skin contact. Nevertheless, a condom is still the best contraceptive to prevent sexually transmitted diseases and HIV/AIDS.
Why should you insist on wearing a condom even if your partner refuses? It is extremely important for sex to happen when both people are attentive to each other’s requests. In other words, if you are asking him to wear a condom, your request should be respected. There are situations where we feel that we do not have the power or ability to say ‘no’ to unprotected sex. This can happen when we feel the need to please our partner and we are embarrassed to demand that they wear a condom or we are afraid of losing our partner. Here you can read a script of a conversation that can help you convince your partner to wear a condom and will help you insist on protecting your health. If you feel that you need to consult with a professional about the subject, you can always contact us at the clinic so that we can give you more tools. It is important to use a condom every time you have sex because it only takes one time to become infected.
What is recommended when there are multiple partners? The exposure to viruses, bacteria and other factors that may cause sexually transmitted diseases is greater when the number of partners increases. If you are having sex with multiple partners, you are at a high risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases and HIV. Therefore, besides using a condom, it is recommended to get tested once every six months in one of the testing centers.
What is the connection between drugs and alcohol and sexually transmitted diseases? Drugs and alcohol are a significant factor for dangerous sexual behavior. Drugs and alcohol affect our judgment, cause us to do things we would not ordinarily do, and also cause physical side effects that put us in danger, such as foregoing using a condom when having sex. Alcohol, for example, expands the blood vessels in the body thus increasing the chances of bruising and bleeding when having sex, increasing the chances of transmitting and contracting sexually transmitted diseases and HIV for both partners, the man and woman. In addition, anyone who is under the influence of drugs and alcohol can easily be extorted and exploited, among other things of sexual nature. Therefore, you should be more careful when drinking or taking drugs.
Why are victims of sexual assault likely to contract sexually transmitted diseases? Sexual assault is any sexual behavior or act forced upon a woman, man, boy or girl without their consent. This is also when peer pressure is exerted against us and we feel trapped without any ability to object, even if no physical violence was used against us. In most cases, during an assault, the perpetrator does not use a condom. Exposure to sexual violence can lead to a crisis, physical and personal ramifications and contracting sexually transmitted diseases and HIV. If you were in one of these situations, contact one of the sex clinics of the Department of Health or the appropriate doctors in the community. Tell them what happened and ask for help. You do not need to handle this alone.
Emergency hot-line for victims of sexual assault:
Women: 1202| Men: 1203| Arab women: 04-6566813| Religious women: 02-6730002| Religious men: 02-5328000
Why are people who live in a marginalized group of society at greater risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases? People, who as a result of problems at home, drug addiction, sexual assault, incest, etc. find themselves in hardship and may engage in dangerous sexual conduct, such as multiple sexual partners, unprotected sex, prostitution, etc. These individuals, who live in marginalized groups of society, suffer from stigmas and preconceived notions that prevent them from receiving necessary medical treatment. This population often thinks that they do not deserve proper treatment because of low self-esteem and body image. Unfortunately, some sections of society transmit back to the population that they do not have equal rights. However, every person has the right to protect his body and health. Therefore, the Levinsky Center provides treatment that is anonymous and free of charge.
For any further questions or clarifications, please contact the clinic to receive an answer and to get medical treatment if necessary.
* Anal Sex
The penetration of the penis or other object into the anus, stimulation with the fingers, etc. Anal sex is considered sexual contact with high risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases and risks of bruising the rectal tissues and muscles.
** Oral Sex
Contact with the mouth, tongue, teeth or throat and the genitals. Oral sex can be used as foreplay or primary sexual activity. Oral sex in the anal region is known as “rimming”.
***Vaginal Sex
Sex that includes the penetration of the penis or other object into the vagina. This type of unprotected sex increases the chances of unwanted pregnancy and contracting sexually transmitted diseases.
