SEXUAL HEALTH GENITAL HYGIENE GENITAL HYGIENE Taking care

SEXUAL HEALTH

GENITAL HYGIENE

GENITAL HYGIENE Taking care of one’s sexual health is not only about preventing STBBIs, but also about good general hygiene in the genital area - Note: good hygiene does not prevent STBBIs but it can prevent other infections

GENITAL HYGIENE - FEMALES - Wash the outer genital area (Labia) making sure to get in between the folds, and the area between vagina and the anus daily with warm water (if using soap, use only unscented varieties)

GENITAL HYGIENE - FEMALES - NEVER wash inside the vagina - The vagina is a self-cleansing organ and soaps could cause irritation - When washing/wiping, always go front to back to avoid carrying any bacteria from the anus into the vagina

GENITAL HYGIENE - MALES - Wash the outer genital area (penis and testicles) and the area between the testicles and the anus daily with warm water (if using soap, use only unscented varieties)

GENITAL HYGIENE - MALES - In uncircumcised males: Pull the foreskin back and using warm water, wash the glans (head) of the penis

GENITAL HYGIENE - MALES - In both circumcised and uncircumcised males, there can be a buildup of smegma (happens more in uncircumcised males): - This is a natural lubricant formed by the penis - However if allowed to buildup, it can harden and lead to infection

GENITAL HYGIENE - GENERAL - For both males and females, it is best to wear looser, cotton-based underwear that allows for more air flow; tight clothes and synthetic fibres tend to trap moisture and increase the chances of bacteria build-up

GENITAL HYGIENE - GENERAL - After sex, it is a good idea to go to the bathroom (urinate) to help flush out the urethra and then wash up to help prevent any infections

SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED AND BLOOD-BORNE INFECTIONS

STBBIS STBBIs are infections that can be transmitted through sexual activities or blood-to-blood contact. These include: - Vaginal (penetrative) sex - Oral sex - Anal sex

SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS There are many different types of STBBIs. 1) Chlamydia 2) Genital Herpes 3) Genital Warts Check out workbook 4) Gonorrhea p. 115 -116 5) Syphilis 6) HIV/AIDS

SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS Issues with STBBIs: - In addition to possible unpleasant symptoms, many STBBIs also have other negative health effects: - Sterility - Increased risk of cancer - Brain and heart disease

SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS Getting Tested: - You should get tested regularly if you are sexually active - Especially if: - You have a new sexual partner - You’ve returned to a previous sexual partner