Abstaining from sexual intimacy is the most effective STI prevention, but there are many things you can do to dramatically reduce your risk of getting an STI if you choose to be sexually intimate. NOTE: The word "sex" is used below to include vaginal or anal intercourse, oral/genital sex, non-penetrating external genital/external genital contact and other forms of sexual intimacy that have the potential to transmit STIs.
Have a monogamous relationship. Generally, the fewer sexual partners you have, the lower your risk of getting an STI, but it's still possible to get an STI if your one sexual partner has had another partner.
Keep latex condoms on hand, and use them every time you have vaginal, anal or oral sex with a male partner. Get 3 free condoms at the UHS Health Promotion Resource Center (SSB 1.106), or buy condoms at a low cost from the UHS Pharmacy. Female condoms, while not as effective as male condoms, are available through Planned Parenthood or condomania.com if you prefer to use them.
NOTE: Neither male nor female condoms are 100% effective in preventing all STIs. They only protect what is covered so transmission of infections like Herpes, HPV, and Syphilis can still occur.
Use latex dams (fairly small, thin latex rubber sheets) as a barrier between the mouth and the vulva or anus during oral/vaginal or oral/anal sex, whether your partner is male or female. In lieu of a latex dam, cut a non-spermicidal, unlubricated male condom lengthwise and open it up to serve as a barrier. Get 1 dental dam free at the UHS Health Promotion Resource Center (SSB 1.106), or buy them at a low cost from the UHS Pharmacy.
Use only water-soluble lubricants. Oil-based lubricants will deteriorate latex, causing condoms to break and decreasing the protection afforded by latex dams.
Moderate your use of alcohol and other mind-altering drugs. They can lower your inhibitions, impair your judgment, interfere with your ability to communicate clearly with your partner, and make you careless in your use of latex barriers, lubricants, etc.
While discussing STI risk reduction and testing before you have sex with a new partner is a good thing, talking in and of itself provides no STI protection. Your partner may not know they have an STI or may not be comfortable telling you about things that could put you at risk for an STI.
Get tested at the first sign of an STI. Additionally, women can request STI screening at her annual pelvic exam. Testing won't keep you from getting an STI, but it can facilitate early diagnosis and treatment, which can reduce your risk of complications including infertility. If you have multiple or new sexual partners, you might want to consider being screened more frequently than annually.
Nonoxynol-9 No Longer Recommended for STI/HIV Protection
It was once thought that using spermicides or condoms lubricated with nonoxynol-9 could help prevent STIs/HIV. Research now shows that nonoxynol-9 can irritate the vagina and cervix, actually increasing STI/HIV risk. Check the ingredients of any spermicides, personal lubricants or condoms you might have. Replace any that contain nonoxynol-9. If you're unsure if a product contains nonoxynol-9, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider.
How to Use Female Condoms
Follow the directions on the condom package for correct placement. Be sure the inner ring goes as far into the vagina as it can. The outer ring stays outside the vagina.
Guide the penis into the condom.
After sex, remove the condom before standing up by gently pulling it out.
Don't reuse condoms.
How to Use Male Condoms
Put the condom on before making any sexual contact.
Unroll the condom over an erect penis to the base of the penis. (Uncircumcised men should pull back their foreskin before unrolling.) The unrolled ring should be on the outside. Leave about 1/2 inch of space in the tip so semen can collect there. Squeeze the tip to get the air out.
Pull out after ejaculating and before the penis gets soft. To pull out, hold the rim of the condom at the base of the penis to make sure it doesn't slip off.
