How To Prevent Transmitted Infection And Diseases

Abstinence is the only foolproof way to avoid contracting an STD. However, there are ways to make s**xual contact safer. When used properly, condoms provide the best protection against STDs, and have the additional benefit of providing contraception

Using latex condoms or other barriers for anal and oral s**x can also reduce your STD risk. Numerous STDs can be spread during oral s**x, including:

• gonorrhea
• herpes
• HPV
• syphilis

Condoms and other barriers are generally very effective at preventing STDs that spread through infected fluids. However, they can’t fully protect against STDs that spread from skin to skin. If the barrier does not cover infected skin, the STD can still be passed to your partner.

Hormonally based birth control options, such as the pill and the ring, do not protect you from STDs. Intrauterine devices (IUDs) also do not prevent STDs.

Before having s**x with a new partner, it’s important to discuss your s**xual history. In addition, you should both be screened for STDs before having s**x. As STDs often have no symptoms, testing is the only way to know if you are infected.
When discussing STD test results, it’s important to ask a partner what STDs they have been tested for. Many people assume their doctors have screened them for STDs as part of regular care. However, that usually isn’t true. People need to ask for the specific STD tests that they want. Urine or blood tests are available for:

• chlamydia
• gonorrhea
• herpes
• HIV
• syphilis
• trichomoniasis

Regular STD screening is a good idea for anyone who is s**xually active. It’s particularly important for those with multiple partners or new partners.

Eligible people should also consider getting vaccinated for HPV and hepatitis.