This is particularly so when almost over 50% of avid travelers engage in wild sexual encounters with a new partner while traveling.
While the passionate excitement of a vacation romance can be quite refreshing and enjoyable, you must also be wary that the possibilities of STI or Sexually Transmitted Infection quickly sinking the mood and ruining the whole experience. According to the CDC or Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 20 million new cases of STD or Sexually Transmitted diseases happen every year among individuals aging from 18-24! And if this wasn’t scary enough, WHO or World Health Organization estimates over 1 million STD cases acquired by sex-participants each day across the world.
This is particularly so when almost over 50% of avid travelers engage in wild sexual encounters with a new partner while traveling. What makes it worse is that most travelers don’t use condoms while engaging in new sexual encounters with new partners. And that consequently results in more returning travelers having STI/STD. This makes it all the more critical for avid travelers to take care of their sexual health and that of their partners.
To create more sexual health awareness among traveling enthusiasts, here are five crucial things to know.
As per the CDC- STI cases are rising in several countries
There have been reports of increased cases concerning gonorrhea, Chlamydia, and syphilis. And the countries where these cases have spiked are Europe, Canada, the UK, and Asia.
Some of the most typical STDs seen in travelers are:
- Chlamydia
- Gonorrhea
- Syphilis
- Herpes
- And Cancroids
Untreated STDs can result in severe heath complications
While it is true that women tend to experience STD-related health complications than men, it doesn’t mean that men who engage in unsafe sexual encounters are in the clear.
Both women and men are at severe risks of lung disease or liver failure if they have STDs like Hepatitis B. Furthermore, if they acquire symptoms of syphilis, they are also prone to risks of heart and blood vessel damage.
Special mentioning-Women who acquire Chlamydia or gonorrhea are potentially at significant risk of pelvic inflammatory disease. Not to forget, they can even get cervical cancer by contracting HPV.
The international health authorities claim travelers play a key role in the transmittance of antibiotic-resistant strains of Gonorrhea
The reports of the International Health Authorities aptly point out that travelers and their unsafe sexual engagements often contribute significantly to the transmittance of Antibiotic-Resistant Strains of Gonorrhea.
Gonorrhea is one common STI with no noticeable symptoms in individuals- even if they acquire the infection. And left untreated, it can have a long-term adverse health consequence- even leading to infertility!
Most standardized travelling health insurances don’t cover STI/STD treatments
As an avid traveler, you take travel insurance to bail you out of unforeseen emergencies. And while it works at most times, unfortunately, they don’t cover STI treatments. And what’s more, engaging in unsafe sexual encounters, which potentially puts a risk on your health, can also hamper your coverage scheme.
Make sure you visit you affirmatively visit your doctor after returning from a vacation or holiday to check your sexual health. After all, not all STI cases are known to show noticeable signs or symptoms.
Adopt the necessary precautionary measures to reduce your risks
No matter where you travel if you have sex during that period with a new partner, there is always a possibility of acquiring some form of STD/STI. That’s why you must take whatever mandatory precautions are recommended to protect yourself and your partner and reduce those potential STI risks.
Here are some precautionary measures to adopt
- Before departing, always get pre-health care advice from your trusted health practitioner.
- Always look to consult your doctor about HPV – Human Papillomavirus or Hepatitis B vaccines. These two are the only two STI’s which can be cured through appropriate vaccinations.
- Take with you an adequate supply of condoms. This is regardless of whether you plan on having sex or not. And if you do get an opportunity to get laid, be sure to use them with your new partner.
- Always check the condom’s expiration date before using it. And try to limit your sexual partners as much as possible.
- Avoid sexual engagement when you are doped or under severe intoxication. Whenever you feel that you are engaged in unprotected sex, visit the nearest health practitioner to know about your sexual health.
Final words
We all are hardwired to have sex. It is a need which every person has- with some needing it more than others! If you plan to embark on a trip with the only intention of having intercourse with new partners, then remember that you are putting yourself at a high risk of acquiring STIs.
But suppose you still want to have it. In that case, you might as well take all the mandatory precautions and protection to ensure your emotional experience is fulfilling and pleasurable and not dire and challenging.
