Sexually transmitted disease (STD) prevention

Abstinence is the most effective way to prevent sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). If you're having sex, it's best to remain in a mutually monogamous relationship with an uninfected partner. If you're not in a mutually monogamous relationship, you can reduce the risk of contracting an STD. For example:

Limit your number of sexual partners. Make sure each one is tested for sexually transmitted diseases and completes proper treatment, if necessary, before having sexual contact.

Avoid direct contact with genital lesions.

Use a latex or polyurethane condom consistently during any vaginal, anal or oral sexual contact. Keep in mind that a condom doesn in the condom.

Learn how to use condoms properly. Read all product instructions carefully.

Practice good personal hygiene.
Most STDs (other than HIV or hepatitis B and C) spread only through sexual intercourse. Rarely, other methods of transmission may occur. For example, the trichomoniasis protozoa can survive for several hours in moist places outside the body, such as on damp towels or clothing. Transmission of an STD through contact with a toilet seat isn't likely because any organism capable of causing an infection can't survive long in that environment. Remember, following the recommendations listed above is the best way to prevent most STDs.


When you have an STD
If you have an STD, don't have sex until treatment is complete to help avoid spreading it to others. Don't have sex if you have any symptoms or lesions or, in the case of genital herpes, when warning symptoms of an outbreak are present.
If you have genital herpes or genital warts, notify your partner of your condition before having sex. You may still be able to spread genital herpes and genital warts even after you've been treated and symptoms have disappeared.

Your doctor and sometimes the laboratory may be legally required to report STDs to the local or state health department. These notification laws are designed to help doctors collect information that will help them treat people who have STDs. Maintaining patients' privacy is important, and personal information collected by health departments is not released to the general public.


Preventing HIV and hepatitis A, B and C
Hepatitis A spreads through oral contact with feces, such as eating or drinking contaminated food or having oral-anal sex. To prevent hepatitis A, wash your hands with soap and water after using the toilet or changing a diaper -- particularly before preparing food and eating -- and avoid unprotected oral-anal sex.
To protect yourself from HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, and hepatitis B and C, avoid behaviors that increase the risk of infection. For example:

Don't have direct, unprotected contact with the blood, semen, vaginal secretions or other potentially infected body fluids of a person who has HIV/AIDS or hepatitis B or C.
Don't share intravenous needles, nail-trimming devices, razors or toothbrushes.
Don't have unprotected sex with a person who may be infected with HIV or hepatitis B or C.
Ask any sexual partners to be tested before having sex.
Use a condom appropriately every time you have sex.
If you're HIV-positive or have AIDS or hepatitis B or C, don't have unprotected sex, share needles, or donate blood, semen or other body tissues. Inform any sexual partners and your health care providers, including your doctor and dentist, of your HIV and hepatitis status.

Immunizations for hepatitis A and B are available. If you're considering vaccination, consult your doctor.


Pregnancy-specific information
During pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases increase the risk of pregnancy complications. In some cases, an STD puts the baby at risk for severe diseases. If you're pregnant, seek early prenatal care that includes STD screening and an evaluation for the risk of STDs.

Senior-specific information
Preventive measures are the same for older adults.