Dear Dr. Wolloch:

I am finally dating after the death of my long term Partner. I have known this person for a long time. Do I have to use a condom for intimacy? or it is ok because I trust them, or is the media is just hyping up getting STD’s (Sexually Transmitted Diseases)?

Thank you, Cheryl.

Hi Cheryl:

Sorry to say that the Media isn’t just hyping up STDs. Statistics recently released from the World Health Organization, (WHO) show that over one million cases of the top 4 STI/D’s ( Sexually Transmitted Infections / Diseases) are contracted EVERY DAY! Whether someone decides to visit a sexual health clinic to get tested for hepatitis c, chlamydia or syphilis, for example, it is best to find out earlier on, as if the results do turn out to be positive, the individual will be able to get advice on how to manage it effectively. When it comes to our health, it is always best to be safe than sorry. As of right now, there is a lot of effort going into ending stigma against STD and STI’s, as some people may never even know they’ve had one to pass it on to a partner. However, as stated before, when it comes to your personal health always make yourself the top priority.

The top four infections are chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis (or “trich”) and syphilis.

STIs are transmitted through unprotected vaginal, anal, and oral sex. Some can be passed from mother to child during pregnancy or childbirth — notably chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis. Syphilis can also be transmitted by coming into contact with infected blood. This means that people that tend to engage in these sorts of activities are more likely to contract a sexually transmitted disease, say, for instance, adult performers that you see if you were to watch TubeV Sex movies or something similar, can be at more of a risk if they are not properly protected.

Besides sometimes causing very uncomfortable symptoms in SOME afflicted, if left untreated, these infections can have serious consequences — such as infertility in men and women, stillbirths, ectopic pregnancy and an increased risk of HIV. Some people are actually symptomless and have these infections that are then passed on with intimate contact unknowingly, to their Partners. Recently, this situation has been called a “Hidden epidemic, a silent epidemic, a dangerous epidemic, that is persistent globally.”

While most of these infections can be treated with antibiotics, there have been more cases of a drug – resistant “Super Gonorrhea ” that has caused concerns lately. Specialist Doctors and Medical Scientists are working hard on solid solutions.

In the meantime, to respond to your initial question, my answer is yes, you and your new Partner should use a condom and practice safe sex, there is a reason that every adult performer that you’d see if you were to watch TubeV Sex movies or similar films, have to wear protection and those are people that are tested for STI’s regularly! As you now know, one can have these infections and not even be aware of them. Getting STI/D testing done together is also a good idea. No matter how long you have known someone, putting your and your Partner’s health first is paramount.

Best Wishes:

Dr. Wolloch.