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2024 Elections

STI & Sexual Health Toolkit

STI Prevention

While many STIs can be cured or treated with medication, the consequences of untreated STIs can include: infertility, pregnancy complications, cervical cancer, pelvic inflammatory disease, birth defects, and an increased risk of HIV transmission.

    • The most reliable way to avoid infection is to not have sex (i.e., anal, vaginal or oral).
    • Vaccines are safe, effective, and recommended ways to prevent hepatitis B and HPV. HPV vaccination is recommended for preteens ages 11 or 12 (or can start at age 9) and everyone through age 26, if not vaccinated already. Vaccination is not recommended for everyone older than age 26 years. However, some adults age 27 through 45 years who are not already vaccinated may decide to get the HPV vaccine after speaking with their doctor about their risk for new HPV infections and the possible benefits of vaccination. HPV vaccination in this age range provides less benefit as more people have already been exposed to HPV. You should also get vaccinated for hepatitis B if you were not vaccinated when you were younger.
    • Reducing your number of sex partners can decrease your risk for STIs. It is still important that you and your partner get tested, and that you share your test results with one another.
    • Mutual monogamy means that you agree to be sexually active with only one person, who has agreed to be sexually active only with you. Being in a long-term mutually monogamous relationship with an uninfected partner is one of the most reliable ways to avoid STIs. But you must both be certain you are not infected with STIs. It is important to have an open and honest conversation with your partner.
        1. Most condoms* are highly effective in preventing HIV and certain other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), like gonorrhea and chlamydia. *Natural membrane condoms are not recommended for STI prevention
        2. Condom Fact Sheet
        3. How to Use a Condom Consistently and Correctly
          1. Use a new condom for every act of vaginal, anal and oral sex throughout the entire sex act (from start to finish). Before any genital contact, put the condom on the tip of the erect penis with the rolled side out.
          2. If the condom does not have a reservoir tip, pinch the tip enough to leave a half-inch space for semen to collect. Holding the tip, unroll the condom all the way to the base of the erect penis.
          3. After ejaculation and before the penis gets soft, grip the rim of the condom and carefully withdraw. Then gently pull the condom off the penis, making sure that semen doesn’t spill out.
          4. Wrap the condom in a tissue and throw it in the trash where others won’t handle it.
          5. If you feel the condom break at any point during sexual activity, stop immediately, withdraw, remove the broken condom, and put on a new condom.
          6. Ensure that adequate lubrication is used during vaginal and anal sex, which might require water-based lubricants. Oil-based lubricants (e.g., petroleum jelly, shortening, mineral oil, massage oils, body lotions, and cooking oil) should not be used because they can weaken latex, causing breakage.
          7. For more information on how to use a condom correctly, visit CDC’s Condom Effectiveness web site.
        4. How do I use a internal and external condom?
          1. To use an external condom
            1. Carefully open and remove the condom from the wrapper.
            2. Place the condom on the tip of the hard penis. If uncircumcised, pull back the foreskin first.
            3. Pinch the air out of the tip of the condom. While holding the tip, unroll the condom all the way down the penis.
            4. After sex but before pulling out, hold the bottom of the condom and carefully pull out the penis.
            5. Carefully remove the condom and throw it in the trash.
            6. If you feel the condom break any time during sex, stop immediately, pull out the penis, take off the broken condom, and put on a new condom.
            7. Use water-based or silicone-based lubricants during sex to help keep the condom from tearing. Don’t use oil-based lubricants because they can weaken the condom and cause it to break.
          2. To use an internal condom
            1. Carefully open and remove the condom from the package.
            2. While holding the condom at the closed end, squeeze the sides of the inner ring together and insert it into the vagina or anus.
            3. Use your finger to push the inner ring up until it rests against the cervix in the vagina or as far into the anus as it can go.
            4. Be sure the condom is not twisted. The thin, outer ring should remain outside the vagina or anus.
            5. Guide your partner’s penis into the opening of the condom.
            6. After sex, gently twist the outer ring and pull the condom out.
            7. Carefully throw the condom in the trash after using it one time.
            8. Stop intercourse if you feel the penis slip between the condom and the walls of the vagina/anus or if the outer ring is pushed into the vagina/anus.
            9. Use lubricant during sex to help keep the condom from slipping or tearing. It is safe to use any lubricant with an internal condom.
        1. Dental dams are latex or polyurethane sheets used between the mouth and vagina or anus during oral sex.
        2. Dental Dam Dos and Don’ts
          1. DO use a new latex or polyurethane dental dam every time you have oral sex.
          2. DO read the package and check the expiration date.
          3. DO make sure there are no tears or defects.
          4. DO put on before starting oral sex and keep it on until finished.
          5. DO use water-based or silicone-based lubricant to prevent breakage.
          6. DO store dental dams in a cool, dry place.
          7. DON’T reuse a dental dam.
          8. DON’T stretch a dental dam, as this can cause it to tear.
          9. DON’T use nonoxynol-9 (a spermicide), which can cause irritation.
          10. DON’T use oil-based products like baby oil, lotion, petroleum jelly, or cooking oil because they will cause the dental dam to break.
          11. DON’T flush dental dams down the toilet as they may clog it.
        3. How To Use a Dental Dam
          1. Carefully open dental dam and remove from package.
          2. Place dental dam flat to cover vaginal opening or anus.
          3. Throw away used dental dam in trash.
        4. How To Make a Dental Dam From a Condom*
          1. Carefully open package, remove condom, and unroll.
          2. Cut off tip of condom.
          3. Cut off bottom of condom.
          4. Cut down one side of condom.
          5. Lay flat to cover vaginal opening or anus.
          6. *Be sure the condom is made of latex or polyurethane.
          7. For more information, click here.

        Dental Dams Dental Dams