STDs are common and easily spread. To protect yourself and others, you should know how to prevent the spread of STD. Most sexually transmitted diseases can be prevented through safe sex practices. But if you’ve already been exposed to an STD, there are ways to reduce the risk of spreading it to others.
To help prevent the spread of STD, follow these guidelines:
Practice safe sex
Use condoms during vaginal and anal sex as well as oral sex. They help prevent the spread of STDs. If you use condoms consistently, your risk of contracting an STD is reduced by 90%. Condoms also provide protection against pregnancy.
Get tested regularly
Get tested regularly so you know your status and can take steps to reduce your risks if needed. Talk with your doctor about whether testing is right for you based on your sexual history and risk factors for certain infections such as HIV or gonorrhea (genital). Your doctor can also tell you where in your community to go for testing without a prescription from your doctor – this may include family.
Limit your number of sexual partners
The more sexual partners you have, the greater your risk of contracting an STD. If you are not monogamous with one partner who is tested regularly for STDs, limit your number of sexual partners to reduce your risk of contracting them through unprotected sex with someone who may be infected.
Use Condoms
Use condoms correctly and consistently. Condoms help prevent transmission of STIs including HIV. However, they do not protect against all STIs (e.g., herpes or genital warts). You should use both a male and female condom when having sex with multiple partners or when you are worried about contracting an STD. When using a female condom, be sure to insert it with the rounded side facing out so that it lines up with your body’s natural anatomy. Also, try different brands and types until you find one that fits comfortably and won’t slip or break during use.
Don’t have sex until both partners are tested for STDs and cleared by a doctor to do so. This is especially important if either partner has had any symptoms of an STD or if either partner has been diagnosed with an STD in the past six months.
Use a female condom during vaginal sex or anal sex to help prevent pregnancy and reduce the risk of catching an STD.
Consider getting vaccinated against hepatitis A and hepatitis B if you’re at risk for these viruses (such as if you live in a developing country). These vaccines can also help prevent liver cancer in people who already have chronic liver disease caused by these viruses. Talk to your doctor about whether these vaccines are right for you. To know more on preventing the spread of STD, contact us.
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