Less is taught to girls about the importance of sexual health. 

The girls get involved in sexual activities without taking any precautions. They may fall victim to diseases associated with unprotected sex. Safe sex is when you are involved in sexual activities and carry the lowest risk of sexually transmitted diseases. 

How to protect yourself from diseases caused by sexual activities?

 Follow these steps to protect yourself from STDs. 

 Barrier Method

 Barrier methods like male and female condoms can protect you from different bacteria and viruses. Follow these steps while using the barrier method

 1. Use a new barrier before every sexual intercourse.

 2. Always use a latex barrier. 

 3. Use water-based lubricants. Avoid oil or petroleum-based lubricants.

 4. Use a condom during oral and anal sex. 

Understanding sexually transmitted infections.

 All girls need to know about sexually transmitted infections and how to protect themselves from them. If you are sexually active, you are at an increased risk of getting sexually transmitted infections. The risk increases as the number of sexual partners increases. Oral, vaginal, and anal sex can all make you susceptible to STIs. 

 STI prevention is very important to enjoy a healthy sexual life. Women should know and have all the knowledge of how to practice safe sex. It not only protects them from catching disease but also protects their partners.  

 Regular Screening for STIs

 STIs from bacteria such as gonorrhoea and chlamydia, when left untreated, can lead to serious side effects, including infertility. Regular screening for STIs can protect you from serious complications.

 Prevention of HIV

PrEP, or pre-exposure prophylaxis, is a medication that is taken before possible HIV exposure. This is the only medication available for HIV prevention and is designed in such a way as to prevent HIV without using a barrier method. There may be some side effects, such as headache, diarrhoea, fatigue, nausea, and stomach pain, but these should subside over time. 

 Talk with your doctor if you have any questions about PrEP. 

 Regular Pap smear

 A Pap smear can detect changes in the cervical area that, if left unnoticed, can lead to serious consequences like cervical cancer. It is recommended to make a cervical or Pap smear as part of your regular medical checkup after age 21. 

 Preventive Vaccines.

 Three preventive medicines are available

 1. HPV

 2. Hepatitis B

 3. Hepatitis A

 These vaccines are given before sexual activity. It is recommended to give these vaccines at 11 years old, but you can still be vaccinated at a later age.

Hepatitis B can be transmitted from one person to another by blood products and without using barrier methods during sexual activities. 

Hepatitis C cannot be transmitted during sex. It can be transmitted from one person to another via the faecal-oral route.