How do I protect myself from STDs?


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HOW DO I PROTECT MYSELF FROM STDs?

The only way to ensure that you won’t get infected is to not have sex. If you are sexually active you should always wear a condom for the best type of protection from STDs when you have sex. Latex condoms provide a good barrier from diseases during vaginal, oral, anal sex. Other birth control methods only protect you from unwanted pregnancy. Only abstinence is 100% safe against pregnancy or STDs but using a condom offers the best protection from STDs and good protection from pregnancy. The best protection is to use condoms to protect against STDs AND birth control pills (depo provera, the patch, IUD, etc) to prevent pregnancy.

Some other things you can do to protect yourself are:

Use a latex condom (rubber) for vaginal, anal and oral sex. Condoms will help protect you from STDs. Both men & women should carry condoms.
If you chose to have anal sex, make sure to use lubricant to prevent the condom from breaking.
Talk to your partner about past sex partners and about needle drug usage. Don't have sex with someone who you think may have an STD. Always use protection.
Before you have sex, look closely at your partner for any signs of an STD - a rash, a sore, redness, discharge, etc. If you see anything you are worried about, don't have sex, even if it is protected. Some STDs, such as Herpes, can still be spread when a condom is used.
Get checked for STDs every time you have a health exam. If you have more than one sex partner, get an STD check any time you think you might be at risk, even if you don't have symptoms.
Know the signs and symptoms of STDs. If you notice a symptom that worries you, get checked out.
If you have an STD, your partner(s) must get treated when you do.
If you have an STD, don't have sex until your health care provider says you no longer have the infection.

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