Herpes Simplex Virus

With the sharp increase of deadly sexually transmitted  infections/diseases (STDs), the  rates of infection are going high and the number of unwanted pregnancies rising especially among teenagers, leads at times to unsafe abortion. It is of great essence to consider ways of exhibiting safe sex. Prevention is better than cure and some of the STDs have no cure claiming millions of lives globally.

According to a report release by American Social Health Association, there are approximately 19 million new cases of sexually transmitted infections every year mostly among the youth aged 15-24. This happens despite huge government expenditure which accounts to hundreds of millions of dollars on abstinence educational programmes. It is obvious that either abstinence is unpopular among the youth or the strategy used is wanting and hence need to find new ways to curb these infections.

In developing countries campaign for safe sex has been hampered by lack of sufficient funds either to purchase condoms or on government side to steer the campaign.  Some cultural practices also discourage this. Illiteracy and ignorance, conflicts, poverty etc are major inhibiting factors. Marginalization of women renders them unable to negotiate for safe sex. Misconceptions about safe sex largely exist among teenagers. It is however not advisable for teenagers to engage in sexual intercourse until after high school to allow for development of organs because they are very vulnerable at this stage. Where they insist it is advisable to encourage them use condoms which offer protection.

Condoms are known to be about 98% safe in prevention of STIs’ and pregnancy when used correctly. In developing countries like Kenya, governments in collaboration with NGOs have begun free condom distribution in all government owned health facilities and mission hospitals and prevalence rate seem to be coming low. Mass media is a powerful tool to use in advocacy of safe sex.

There are various affordable safe sex products which are locally available to the reach of all newly improved condoms being one of them both female and male. There are varieties favorable for those who might exhibit allergic reactions e.g. latex-free condoms. Innuendo Anal Conditioning Gel is used on anus prior to sex for easier penetration though it is not a lubricant.