Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are a significant concern for individuals aged 20 years old considering having sex. These diseases are common in Vietnam and include gonorrhea, Chlamydia, genital herpes, hepatitis B, genital warts, and HPV-caused diseases.
Hepatitis B virus and HPV are found in bodily fluids such as vaginal secretions, saliva, and semen. This makes them easily transmissible through sexual contact. Statistics show that a significant percentage of women are at risk of HPV infection at some point in their lives, with the highest infection rates occurring between the ages of 20-30. HPV is closely linked to cervical cancer cases and other types of cancer.
On the other hand, hepatitis B is a virus that spreads rapidly and can lead to serious health issues such as cirrhosis and liver cancer. Fortunately, preventative vaccines for HPV and hepatitis B are available in Vietnam and have shown high efficacy rates in preventing these diseases. Additionally, getting vaccinated against group B meningococcal disease can help prevent urethritis and provide cross-immunity with gonorrhea.
It is recommended to get vaccinated before engaging in sexual activity to lower the risk of contracting diseases. Waiting until you are already sexually active may reduce the effectiveness of the vaccines. Therefore, getting vaccinated as early as possible is crucial to ensure maximum protection against STDs.