How to Prevent Sexually Transmitted Infections Early On

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are a group of infections spread through sexual contact, such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, genital herpes, and HIV. Many STIs cause no symptoms in the early stages, so a person can be infected without realizing it and unknowingly pass it on to a partner.

The most effective prevention steps are staying faithful to one partner who is also uninfected, using condoms correctly and consistently, and not sharing risky personal items. Vaccines are also available for some infections, such as hepatitis B and HPV, providing additional protection.

Regular checkups are strongly recommended, especially if you or your partner have ever had more than one partner. Get checked promptly if you notice symptoms such as pain when urinating, unusual discharge from the genitals, sores, or lumps in the genital area.

Don’t feel embarrassed to talk about these concerns. You can consult a doctor privately through DokterIN to get guidance on the right tests and treatment.