Get the facts

Read about basic information about STDs: How are these diseases spread? How can you protect yourself? What are the treatment options?

Take Control

Once you have the facts; decide how to protect yourself and your sexual partners. You can reduce your risk of exposure to STD by:

Abstinence

The best way to avoid infection is to not have any form of sex (anal, vaginal or oral).

Vaccination

Some vaccines are available for some STDs. These include Hepatitis B and HPV Vaccines. HPV vaccines for males and females can protect against some of the most common types of HPV. It is best to get this vaccines before becoming sexually active. However, HPV vaccines are recommended for all teen girls and women through age 26 and all teen boys and men through age 21, who did not get all three doses of the vaccine when they were younger. If you are sexually active it is best to get tested first before you get the vaccine.

Agree to be monogamous

Get you partner to agree to be sexually active with only one person, and agree to be sexually active only with her. Being in a long-term mutually monogamous relationship with an uninfected partner is one of the most reliable ways to avoid STDs. But you must both be certain you are not infected with STDs. It is important to have an open and honest conversation with your partner.

Reduce your number of sex partners

Reducing your number of sex partners can decrease your risk for STDs. It is still important that you and your partner get tested, and that you share your test results with one another.

Use protection

Correct and consistent use of the male latex condom is highly effective in reducing STD transmission. Use a condom every time you have anal, vaginal, or oral sex.

Get tested

Get yourself tested. Many STDs can be easily diagnosed and treated. If either you or your partner is infected, both of you must receive treatment at the same time to avoid getting re-infected.