Q.STDs can be considered as self-invited diseases. Comment.

STD Prevention Methods — A First Look

Think of your body like a house. You lock the doors and windows to keep out unwanted visitors. Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) are infections that can enter the body through sexual contact — and prevention is about building those "locks" before any risk arises.

What Are STDs and Why Prevention Matters

STDs (also called STIs — Sexually Transmitted Infections) are infections passed from one person to another during sexual activity. They include diseases like HIV, syphilis, gonorrhoea, herpes, and hepatitis B. Some can be cured with treatment; others, like HIV, cannot be cured but can be managed. The key point: prevention is far better than cure, because many STDs can cause long-term health problems — infertility, organ damage, or even death — and some can be passed from a mother to her baby during pregnancy or childbirth.

The Core Prevention Methods

The NCERT approach groups prevention into three broad categories: behavioural, mechanical, and medical. Let's look at each.

1. Behavioural Prevention — The First Line of Defence

This is about choices you make before any sexual contact occurs. It is the simplest and most reliable method.

• Abstinence: Not having sexual intercourse at all. This is the only 100% guaranteed way to avoid STDs. For young people, delaying sexual activity is strongly recommended.
• Mutual monogamy: Having a sexual relationship with only one partner, who is also faithful to you, and both of you have been tested and are free of STDs.
• Avoiding high-risk behaviour: Not having multiple partners, not using alcohol or drugs before sex (which can impair judgment), and avoiding sex with people whose health status you do not know.

2. Mechanical Prevention — Physical Barriers

These are devices that physically block the transfer of body fluids (semen, vaginal fluid, blood) between partners.

• Condoms (male and female): A thin latex or polyurethane sheath worn over the penis (male condom) or inside the vagina (female condom). When used correctly every time, condoms are highly effective against most STDs, including HIV.
• Dental dams: A square sheet of latex used during oral sex to prevent direct contact.

3. Medical Prevention — Vaccines and Treatment

• Vaccination: Safe and effective vaccines exist for Hepatitis B and Human Papillomavirus (HPV) — which causes cervical cancer and genital warts. The NCERT recommends that adolescents receive these vaccines before becoming sexually active.
• Regular testing and early treatment: If you are sexually active, getting tested regularly (even without symptoms) helps catch infections early. Many STDs have no visible symptoms. Early treatment can cure some infections and prevent complications. …