Sexually transmitted disease (STD) is the term given to infections acquired through sexual intercourse. Increasingly the term genitourinary (GU) infection is used in preference to STD. This is because the term STD may be stigmatising and not all sexually transmitted diseases are acquired solely by sexual intercourse. Since the emergence of HIV infection in the 1980s there has been increasing emphasis on the prevention of STDs by means of safe sex practices. The first message of safe sex is that it is always possible that one or both partners may be carrying infections which can be transmitted during intercourse. Therefore, unless it is within the context of a long term relationship, it is important always to take precautions if planning to have intercourse.
Ideally, promiscuity should be minimised. Condoms are considered to be the best barrier method in protecting both men and women in penile, oral and anal sex. The cap, spermicide creams and the oral contraceptive pill also carry a degree of protection, but shouldn't be relied on solely as effective barriers to disease.
The Department of Health co-ordinates the campaign to promote the messages of safe sex. These messages are propagated to the general public via family planning clinics, GU clinics, abortion advice centres, general practices, schools and the media.
Although their symptoms do not affect the reproductive system, the sexually transmitted infections HIV and Hepatitis B and C are most commonly transmitted through the exchange of body fluids during sexual intercourse. They are prevented by attention to safe sex practice.
