Abstinence is a good choice for some people but is not realistic or desirable for many people, however. If abstinence is not an option, there are many ways to reduce your risk of infection. Note that abstinence-only education is usually less effective than more comprehensive forms of sex education. Even if you plan to be abstinent for a time, it is good to educate yourself about safe sex practices should you find yourself in that situation. [3] X Research source

If your partner says they have been tested, ask for which diseases. Often people are only checked for gonorrhea and chlamydia, not HIV, hepatitis, or herpes. Be aware that the Human Papilloma Virus (or HPV) cannot be tested for in males.

AIDS and hepatitis have been known to spread through needle sharing.

External condoms fit on the penis and are put on before engaging in penetrative sex. They work for vaginal, anal, or oral sex. Open the package carefully (never with your teeth or a pair of scissors), place it so that the rolled up edges are facing away from the person wearing it, pinch the tip, and carefully roll it on. Inspect it for tears or holes and if you feel it break at any time, pull out immediately. Also, use lubricant to keep it from tearing due to friction. When the act is completed, pull out (while holding the condom on) before the erection is lost and carefully dispose of the condom. Absolutely do not reuse a condom—ever. [17] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source Internal condoms are also available. Internal condoms can be inserted by the receiver before intercourse and fit inside the vagina, just below the cervix. Internal condoms are inserted much like a tampon. They are harder to find but are usually carried by hospitals and clinics. Internal condoms can be made out of latex or out of polyurethane material. Internal condoms are particularly useful for folks who wish to be responsible for their own forms of birth control or STD prevention. Polyurethane internal condoms can be used by those who are allergic to latex or for those who wish to use oil-based lubricants. [18] X Research source

Some condoms have lubricant already on the condom.

It is recommended that infants receive the Hepatitis A and B vaccines and that children who are 11 or 12 years old receive the HPV vaccine; however, adults who have never been vaccinated can talk to their doctors about getting these vaccines. The HPV vaccine is not approved for people over age 26.

Note that Truvada is not sufficient to prevent HIV infection alone. Always use condoms when having sex with an HIV positive partner, even if you are also taking Truvada.

Sores and bumps around the vagina, penis, or rectum Pain while urinating Pain during sex Unusual or foul-smelling discharge from the vagina or penis Unusual vaginal bleeding

Pregnant people or people who are trying to become pregnant People who have HIV — they are more susceptible to contracting other STDs People who have sex with HIV-positive partners Males who have sex with males Sexually active females under the age of 25 — they require more frequent chlamydia tests Sexually active females over the age of 21 — they require HPV tests People born between 1945 and 1965 — they are at higher risk for Hepatitis C, a curable disease. [31] X Trustworthy Source Harvard Medical School Harvard Medical School’s Educational Site for the Public Go to source People who have multiple partners, have a single partner who has sex with multiple partners, use prostitution services, use certain drugs, have unprotected sex, have a history of STDs or STIs, or had a parent with certain STDs when they were born are all at higher risk.

Testing is especially important when you have a new sexual partner. Tests are available for HIV, syphilis, herpes, trichomonas, chlamydia, gonorrhea, hepatitis, and mycoplasma genitalium. [32] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source

Your local public health department Planned Parenthood Your school or church Community clinics The Internet A local hospital

You should not have sex until you and your partner have completed treatment for any STDs.