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HIV/AIDS & Other STIs
Prevention
Abstaining from sexual contact is the surest way to prevent yourself from infection. Experiment with other ways of expressing intimacy.
If you do choose to have sexual intercourse the next most reliable way to avoid transmission of STis is to to be in a long-term, mutually monogamous relationship with an uninfected partner.
If you are not in a long-term or mutually monogomous relationship, condoms must be used consistently and correctly to be highly effective in preventing STIs.
The following recommendations ensure the proper use of condoms.
- Use a new condom with each act of sexual intercourse (e.g., oral, vaginal, and anal).
- Carefully handle the condom to avoid damaging it with fingernails, teeth, or other sharp objects.
- Put the condom on after the penis is erect and before any genital contact with the partner.
- Use only water-based lubricants (e.g., K-Y Jelly™, Astroglide™, AquaLube™, and glycerin) with latex condoms. Oil-based lubricants (e.g., petroleum jelly, shortening, mineral oil, massage oils, body lotions, and cooking oil) can weaken latex.
- Ensure adequate lubrication during intercourse, possibly requiring the use of exogenous lubricants.
- Hold the condom firmly against the base of the penis during withdrawal, and withdraw while the penis is still erect to prevent slippage.
When a male condom cannot be used properly, sex partners should consider using a female condom. If used consistently and correctly, the female condom may also substantially reduce the risk for STIs.
* New Haven Prevention Campaign |
Teens
One in two sexually active youth will contract an STI by at 25. Teens are at high risk for STI infection in part because of biological factors, such as an immature immune system. Behavioral factors that place teens at high risk include early age of first intercourse and multiple partners.
If you are engaging in sexual intercourse, practice safer sex!
Always use condoms!
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Always use condoms!
If you do choose to have sexual intercourse:
- Decrease your use of alcohol and drugs, as they can cloud your ability to make safe decisions about sex.
- Choose your sexual partner(s) wisely, always thinking of your own protection.
- Limit the number of your sex partners to reduce exposure to all STIs.
- Use latex condoms consistently and correctly for all types of sexual penetration (oral, vaginal, anal).
- Talk with your partner(s). Careful consideration and open communication between partners may protect all partners involved from infection.
- If your partner has visible lesions, avoid direct contact.
- Get regular check-ups with a medical provider. If you are sexually active, yearly exams are important.
- Take care of yourself, as you are less susceptible to infection when you are in good health. So eat a balanced diet, get enough sleep, exercise regularly, and avoid excessive consumption of alcohol or other mood-altering drugs.
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Many people infected with STIs or HIV have no symptoms. Therefore, there is no way of knowing with certainty whether a sexual partner is infected unless he or she has repeatedly tested negative for a virus and has not engaged in any risky behavior.
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