If I ask you to think of a contraceptive, what do you think of? The answer is probably going to be condoms. After all, we’ve all seen the rows of condom boxes placed behind locked glass panels in grocery stores at some point in our lives. But what if I tell you, there’s more to contraception than just condoms?
First and foremost, what is contraception?
Contraception (or birth control) is the use of medicines, devices or surgery to prevent pregnancy. So what has contraception got to do with STI prevention? Well, some forms of contraception, particularly barrier contraceptives help avoid the contraction of STIs.
As mentioned above, condoms are the most common, but let’s look at some other contraceptives-
Barrier contraceptives not only include external (male) condoms but also include internal (female) condoms, dental dams, spermicides, and contraceptive gels.
LARCs or long-acting reversible contraceptives are the most effective contraceptives to prevent pregnancy. They include hormonal IUDs or implants.
Hormonal contraceptives, which include progestin injections, vaginal rings, patches, and oral pills.
Okay, but why are we is this important?
A survey conducted on 156 college students in Sikkim, India revealed that while 86% of students knew about common contraceptives such as condoms or pills, only 11% of students vouched to have used them. Furthermore, only a small percentage of people knew of permanent contraceptives like IUDs or surgeries. Shocking, isn’t it?
Greater access to information is vital because adolescents and young adults will have sex. In fact- these age brackets often display the most high-risk behaviour and are the most likely age groups to contract STIs. What can be reduced, however, are unwanted pregnancies and the spread of STIs through-
Youth-friendly reproductive health services such as Lesha Learning, Ours Voix, and Prathisandhi in India (https://search.app/gn8T8eDUABGt2FxL8)
Awareness programmes in schools. For example- Kishori Shakti Yojana, Balika Samridhi Yojana, Rashtriya Kishor Swasthya Karyakram (https://search.app/K7NAzdafs6ytxdz36)
Greater accessibility to contraceptives and reduced stigma among people regarding sex.
So we know that some forms of contraception reduce STI transmission.
What are STIs and STDs and are they the same thing?
To clear out the confusion- STI stands for Sexually Transmitted Infections while STD stands for Sexually Transmitted Diseases. Most STDs first begin as STIs though usually, people use these terms interchangeably.
Who are the vulnerable groups in the transmission of STDs?
Let’s be clear- Anyone who indulges in unsafe sexual practices is at risk for contracting infections. However, factors such as sexual autonomy, educational background, and access to contraception change the likelihood of contracting STDs.
In India specifically- adolescent girls who live in impoverished conditions with lower educational standing, and lower levels of autonomy in relationships are at the highest risk of contracting HIV. Many factors such as abusive partners, drug/substance abuse, and lack of awareness play their cruel part in putting countless women at risk.
So what can be done?
There is no linear answer to this. However, mass media campaigns and teaching programmes can help spread awareness while medical services, distribution of contraceptives and free testing programmes can help empower people to make informed decisions.
What do we need to be informed about then?
If you engage in sexual activities look out for the following symptoms of STIs- discolouration, painful urination, and discomfort during sex.
Suppose you are at risk of contracting HIV. In that case, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a medication that reduces the chances of transmission and was approved by the Drug Controller General of India in 2016. Additionally, Tenvir EM manufactured by Cipla is the most popular PrEP drug in India.
If you notice any symptoms of STIs, immediately go see a healthcare professional.
Blood-borne diseases, HIV, and some strains of hepatitis do not just spread through sexual contact- they can be contracted through contaminated needles from the use of substances, piercings, or tattoos.
Remember- more than one million people acquire STIs worldwide every year- most of whom show no symptoms. Therefore, it is extremely important to stay informed and most importantly- there is no shame in advocating for yourself and your safety!
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