'VALENTINE; THE SEASON OF STDS'. TRUE OR NOT?!

A friend once jokingly said, "valentine is the period when people contract STDs the most". But this particular statement has since seen a lot of criticism. Arguments have gone into it, and it hasn't found favour with a lot of people.

"BUT LET'S JUST FACE IT. . ."

STDs (sexually transmitted diseases) and STIs (sexually transmitted infections), like their names imply don't just jump on you, you invite them to yourself, and that, through ONE mean, SEX.

Going by a survey by Hollywoodlife.com, there's really a great increase in percentage of people who plan and engage in active sexual activities on valentines (men and women).

STDs include gonorrhoea, HIV/AIDs, cervical cancer, staphylococcus, syphilis, chlamydia, genital warts, genital herpes, hepatitis B&C, etc

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), almost 20 million new STDs are diagnosed each year in the United States.

But one thing so sure; a large number of those infections could be avoided if people made wise decisions about their sexual health.

"SO WHY THEN DON'T YOU LET ME HELP YOU?. . ."

People at 'greatest' risks of STDs are those who practice unprotected sex. Others include people with multiple sexual partners, people who have sex under the influence of alcohol or drugs, etc.

Avoiding these puts your health on the safer side.

"BUT, DOES PROTECTED SEX GUARANTEE SAFETY?. . ."

Now this is where another problem lies; NO form of protection is 100% safe. Only ONE is; TOTAL ABSTINENCE, but are you willing?

Someone says, "this is bull-shit", and a few questions struck my mind:

• Are you 100% free of diseases?

• If yes, how do you know?

• When last did you go for a medical check-up?

• What about your partner, is s/he 100% free too?

• If yes, how did you know?

• Did s/he tell you?

• When last did s/he go for medical check-up?

• When last did the two of you go for medical check-up, together?

• Are you fully aware of each other's TRUE health status?

These are questions needing answers; honest answers (be true to yourself).

These are factors you're supposed to have in mind before pressing the 'PLAY' button.

I know it's the season of love, but if the love you profess is true (to your partner and yourself), then STAY SAFE.

Live Healthy.