Don’t get a virus for Valentine’s Day

It’s nice to get something on V – Day, like cards, choccies and champers. But, let’s not make it ‘V’ for “venereal.”

The problem with sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like gonorrhoea, syphilis, herpes, chlamydia, genital warts (HPV), hepatitis and HIV, is that many of the people walking around with them are often completely oblivious.  They can be fit and beautiful.  They can be pristine; successful professionals adorned in the finest fashions.  They can be lawyers and possibly even doctors.  However, they can still give you a cold sore, an anal wart or several other infections if they don’t know that they are carriers.

Many people infected with STIs are still asymptomatic, which means they are not yet showing any symptoms.  This is why so many people do not know that they have STIs, as they have no reason to think that they are infected.

So, what can you do to protect yourself from these handsome strangers who may be packing an unwanted viral gift unknowingly?

1. Don’t have sex.
   Ha Ha Ha!  Okay but let’s get real for a sec.  This is indeed the most effective way to protect yourself, but, I dunno about you, but this doesn’t count as a practical tip for me.  #SexRules
2. Communication.
   Chat to your potential sexual partner before doing the deed.  Has he been shagging guys he doesn’t know very well recently?  The more he’s been playing, the more at risk you both are of winning the STI lottery
3. Get tested yourself.
   The reason that so many people are walking around creating new infections  is that they just don’t know their STI status.  Even if you feel as strong as a stallion, go and get screened for a number of STIs at your nearest clinic and know what you’re working with
4. Less is more.
   Try not to break any world records with the number of Valentines you can score over this romantic period.  Fewer lovers equals fewer risks
5. Protection.
   Use a condom and water-based lubricant.  It is an incredibly powerful force field to protect you from some unwanted situations
6. Take it easy with the drugs and rock ‘n roll.
   Too much booze and other mind-altering substances may seem like great fun at the time, but these chemical influences are notorious for clouding our ability to make healthy life choices.  Just think about how many dodgy food choices we make under the influence of too much booze in the early hours of the morning. A dodgy garage pie will be easier to deal with in the morning than an unwanted STI.

Bruce J. Little is a contributing writer for Anova Health Institute.  These are his views, which may or may not reflect those of Anova and its affiliates.