Sexually Transmitted Infections are extremely common. However, you can easily prevent STD/STI simply by following certain guidelines. STIs when not treated well on time may lead to life threatening issues. Hence, it is always advised to get yourself tested atleast once a year for STIs if you are sexually active.


There are a lot of things you can do for Prevention of Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs):

1) Use a condom :
While having vaginal and/or anal sex, try to use a latex condom. Using latex condoms every time while having sex is considered to be the safest way to prevent yourself from contracting an STI. It’s important to make sure you know how to put on a condom properly to avoid any slipping or damage.

2) Ask for results :
Before getting into an intimate relationship, try asking your partner about their recent STI test results! Doing so will help initiate an enabling conversation and will also help you ensure you are not at risk of contracting an STI.

3) Avoid condom-less sex with multiple partners :
Although it is often said that having sex with multiple partners can increase the chances of catching STI, this is often because you now need to consider the status of multiple people! Therefore, it is beneficial to stick to mutual monogamy (having sex with only one partner) or using a condom at all times.

4) Use dental dams for oral sex :
Dental dams prevent the transmission of an STD from a vagina or from one’s mouth to a vagina owner, during oral sex. You can place the dental dam as a barrier over the genital area and perform oral sex over it.

5) Get the HPV vaccine and have routine pap smears :
HPV is the predominant cause of cervical cancer and cervical cancer is the leading cause of cancer related deaths among women. Almost every person who is sexually active is at a risk of getting HPV once in their lifetime. Therefore, it important to get yourself vaccinated against HPV before you get sexually active.


Sources :

1-https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sexually-transmitted-diseases-stds/symptoms-causes/syc-20351240