Practice Safer Sex

Practice safer sex

Sometimes travellers throw caution to the wind when looking for new adventures, even when it comes to practicing safer sex. Risky sexual health situations can include:

Having casual, unprotected sex
Having sex with sex workers, especially in countries where the rate of sexually transmitted infections is high among prostitutes
Using drugs and alcohol, which can increase risk-taking behaviour, or put you at risk for having a date rape drug added to your drink
Relying on locally bought condoms that may be inferior, or not available
Having sex with many partners
Having sex with high-risk partners, such as those with multiple partners, men who have sex with men and injection drug users

What diseases are transmitted by sex? Bacterial Vaginosis Chlamydia Genital Herpes Genital Warts Gonorrhea Hepatitis B is transmitted both sexually and via blood Hepatitis C HIV / AIDS is transmitted both sexually and via blood HPV (Human Papillomavirus) Molluscum Contagiosum Pubic Lice Syphilis Trichomoniasis Yeast Infection	Condom tips Condoms provide a physical barrier for sperm and are used to prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections. Their effectiveness depends upon their correct use. Condoms should always be stored away from heat and sunlight, and should be discarded if they are beyond their expiry date. Condom quality varies in different countries, so take a supply with you from Canada.
Click on the links above for more information about these diseases. For more information about sexual health or sexually transmitted infections, please visit www.york.ca/sexualhealth

Prevention

Practice safe sex - always use condoms, and remember that herpes, warts, pubic lice, and molluscum can be caught via skin to skin transmission. Condoms may not cover the affected area of skin
Assume that any new partner is infected, and use protection. The person may have an infection without being aware of it, and could unknowingly spread it to you
Be aware that oral sex also carries risks, which condoms can reduce
Ask your healthcare provider if you should be immunized against hepatitis A and B