e. Be Careful. Use a condom to reduce the chances of being infected with a
sexually transmitted disease. Follow these common sense rules regarding condoms:
(1) Use latex condoms only. Condoms made of animal-membrane have
pores which allow at least the HIV to pass through.
(2) Store condoms in a cool, dry place, out of direct sunlight. A condom
stored in a wallet may be torn, damaged, or old after a while. Condoms are usually
good for only two years after the date of manufacture.
(3)
Do not reuse condoms.
f. Be Tested and Treated Promptly, if Necessary. Seek medical treatment
quickly if you develop signs or symptoms of a sexually transmitted disease or if a sexual
partner has a STD that makes it likely that you are also infected. Prompt treatment will
restore you to good health faster and prevent you from having the serious complications
of many sexually transmitted diseases.
2-19. CLOSING STATEMENT
The only unique feature of these diseases is their mode of transmission. In fact,
if syphilis were transmitted by mosquito bites, it could perhaps, have been eradicated
decades ago. But, since these diseases are transmitted by sexual intercourse, and sex
is a highly charged area, we have much more difficulty in control. The situation is not
hopeless, however, and with vigorous efforts toward prevention, these diseases can be
conquered.
MD0580
2-25
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