The only completely effective way to prevent STIs is to abstain from oral, anal, and vaginal sexual intercourse. Contact with another person’s body fluids can result in STI infection.
For people who have decided to engage in sexual activity, condoms can protect against many, but not all, STIs. For minimal protection, inspect your partner’s genitals, wash your genitals after sexual intercourse, use contraceptives jellies, limit your sexual partners to one person, and avoid partners who have sex with other partners, talk to your partner about his or her sexual habits and health. Get tested for sexually transmitted infections with your partner if you have worries or suspicion.
Men and women play important roles in preventing STIs by maintaining a monogamous relationship or using condoms to protect their partner and themselves. Maintaining a mutually monogamous relationship – one way of preventing STIs – requires the commitment of both partners. Men and women can show respect for their partners’ health by limiting their sexual relations to one partner.