S£x is a phenomenon that occurs naturally in almost every living thing on earth. It primarily serves as a path to procreation which ensures that the DNA of living things are transferred to their offspring.
It is one of the basic instincts of living beings on earth and it is quite a pleasurable act to indulge in. But there is a saying that too much pleasure most times can turn out to be destructive.
In humans, s£x is designed by God to be an exclusive preserve for married couples alone. Though that is no longer the case as many youths now indulge in lots of s£xual imm0rality. The older ones are also not left out in this guilt as some married men and women decide to cheat on their partners, thereby committing the act of adult€ry which happens to go against one of the commandments of God.
S£x has its advantages like serving as a medium through which babies are conceived. It also acts as a bond that binds couples together.
However, s£x has its downsides such as s£x slav€ry, rap£ and most unfortunately, a channel through which diseases commonly classified as S£xually Transmitted Diseases or Infections (STD’s/STI’s) are gotten.
These diseases and infections include the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), Hepatitis B&C, Herpes, Gonorrhea, Syphilis, Chlamydia and a whole lot of them. Some of these diseases / infections like gonorrhea, syphilis and chlamydia are treatable but sadly the rest of them aren’t.
The human immunodeficiency virus, is a virus that destroys the body’s immune system thereby opening the doors for other opportunistic infections that will thereby result in Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS). But with the correct Anti-retroviral (ARV) treatment, HIV is prevented from multiplying and proliferating the cells in the body.
Viral Hepatitis are caused by viruses that damages the liver cells leading to Cirrhosis and Tumors. It is rarely noticed because it comes with little or no symptoms. Symptoms largely emerge when the liver has been grav€ly compromised.
Millions of people all over the world di€ each year as a result of these diseases most especially when they are not detected early enough. That’s why early testing and treatment will never be overemphasized and remains a key ingredient in combating these infections.
It is quite sad to note that the prevalence rate of these diseases is going astronomically high in recent times because young people including adolescents and a greater part of the populace lack Sensitization.
There should be sensitizations on social media and conventional media such as print and electronic media. Donor agencies should come in and support these sensitizations which should also be taken to schools, places of worship and also to the grassroots.
These sensitizations should focus on telling the people the importance of abstinence, being faithful to a faithful partner and most especially, the correct and consistent use of cond0ms during any s£xual activity.
These are the ABC’s of s£x. This will help flatten the curve of the upward trajectory of new infections and drive down the indices of the number of new infections and subsequently, save humanity from the calam!ty of self-implosion caused by the ravaging s£xually transmitted diseases / infections that are easily preventable.
