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Our Health Library information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Please be advised that this information is made available to assist our patients to learn more about their health. Our providers may not see and/or treat all topics found herein. Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are infections spread by sexual contact. This includes genital skin-to-skin contact and vaginal, oral, and anal sex. If you're pregnant, you can also spread them to your baby before or during the birth. STIs are common. But they don't always cause symptoms. And if they are not treated, they can lead to health problems. Testing and treatment are important to help protect the health of you and your partner or partners. STIs caused by bacteria can go away with treatment. STIs caused by viruses can be treated to relieve symptoms, but treatment won't make them go away. STIs can be spread by people who don't know they are infected. But there are things you can do to prevent STIs. Abstinence is the only sure way to prevent an infection. Practicing safer sex can reduce your risk of STIs. Some things you can do to practice safer sex include limiting your sex partners and using condoms. Even though a sex partner doesn't have symptoms of a sexually transmitted infection (STI), they may still be infected. Before you have sex with someone, it's a good idea to discuss STIs. Questions to ask someone before having sex include: Here are some things you can do to have safer sex and help protect yourself from sexually transmitted infections (STIs). A condom is the best way to protect yourself from STIs. Latex and polyurethane condoms don't let STI viruses pass through, so they offer good protection from STIs. Condoms made from sheep intestines don't protect against STIs. Even if you and your partner or partners have been tested, use condoms for all sex until you and any partners haven't had sex with another person for 3 months. Then get tested again. Symptoms can include unusual discharge, sores, redness, or growths in your or your partner's genitals or pain while urinating. STIs may cause many different symptoms. Your risk for an STI is higher if you have several sex partners at the same time. If there's a lack of lubrication during intercourse, lubricants like K-Y Jelly or Astroglide can help prevent tearing of the skin. Small tears in the vagina during vaginal sex or in the rectum during anal sex allow STI bacteria or viruses to get into your blood. If you use latex condoms, don't use an oil-based lubricant. Oil can weaken the condom so that it breaks. Douching can change the normal balance of organisms in the vagina and increases the risk of getting an STI. A mouth barrier, such as a dental dam, can reduce the spread of infection. You can discuss this method with your dentist or doctor. Sharing sex toys without cleaning them or using a condom can spread STIs. If you do share them, use a condom and clean the sex toys between each use. Talk about what you feel comfortable with and whether you have any boundaries with sex. And find out if your partner may be at risk for STIs. Keep in mind that a person may be able to spread an STI even if they do not have symptoms. You and any partners may want to get tested for STIs before having sex. Current as of: November 27, 2023 Author: Healthwise Staff Current as of: November 27, 2023 Author: Healthwise Staff Clinical Review Board This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Learn how we develop our content. To learn more about Healthwise, visit Healthwise.org. © 1995-2024 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.Topic Contents
Safer Sex
Overview
Preventing sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
Talking about STIs and safer sex
Practicing safer sex
Related Information
Credits
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.