Abstinence (not having oral, vaginal, or anal sex) is the best way to prevent STDs. For people who choose to be sexually active, ways to reduce the risk of contracting a sexually transmitted disease or infection (STD/STI) include:

• Mutual monogamy – having sex with only one, uninfected partner who only has sex with you.


• Limiting the number of sex partners to reduce possible exposure to STDs/STIs.


• Talking with your partner(s) about STDs/STIs, sexual health, and prevention prior to sexual activity. Open communication fosters trust and respect among partners and is a key aspect of reducing the risks for STDs/STIs.
  
• If you or your partner have had other partners, both of you may want to get tested before becoming sexually active with each other. Many STDs/STIs can be “silent,” causing no noticeable symptoms in men or women.


• Using latex condoms consistently and correctly for all types of sexual contact (oral, vaginal, anal), even if penetration does not take place. Click here for the right way to use a condom.


• Using spermicides is not recommended as they can irritate the skin or vaginal tissue and, especially for women, cause abrasions (tiny openings in skin) that may make it easier to contract STDs/STIs.


• Having regular check-ups, at least once yearly, if you are sexually active. Don’t be afraid to talk honestly with your health care provider about your sexual practices or to ask about STD/STI tests, including determining which STDs/STIs you’ve been tested for – and which you haven’t been. Call the National STD Hotline at (800) 227-8922 for referrals to free and low-cost clinics.


• If you and/or your partner has a bacterial STD, don’t have sex (oral, vaginal, or anal) until all partners have been treated.

For information on condoms (how to use them, how to talk to your partner about condoms, how effective are they?), visit our How to Use a Condom section.