Preventing Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)

There are lots of ways to avoid getting a Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI). The best way to keep yourself sexually healthy is to know all of your options, so that you can choose those which will work best for you. Decide ahead of time what you are and are not willing to do, and then be prepared!

Educate yourself about what's out there! The more you know about what STI's are out there, how they are spread, and what the symptoms are, the better you'll be able to protect yourself.
Practice Abstinence. Not engaging in any sexual activity is the only 100% effective way to prevent contracting an STI. Abstaining is something that a person can choose to do at any point in their life. Abstaining can be very satisfying for many persons. Plus, it's free and always available.
Try Outercourse. Outercourse is sexual activity that doesn't involve genital contact or fluid exchange. Hugging, kissing, cuddling, touching, fantasy, and using your hands are all safe practices. Be creative and have fun!
Engage in Safer Sex. Using latex condoms consistently and correctly can help reduce the risk of contracting all sexually transmitted infections. That means using a condom or a dental dam the entire time, during all oral, vaginal, and anal contact! For more information on condoms and dental dams, check out the resource links at the bottom of this page.
Limit your partners. The more people you have sex with, the greater your risk of contracting an STI.
Talk to your partner. Find out if he or she has ever had an STI, and ask your partner how he or she would feel about the two of you getting tested before you decide to have sex. Talking about these issues with your partner shows that you have a lot of trust and respect for him or her. It also shows that you are concerned about his or her health as well as your own.