How Can You Protect Yourself?

The best way to protect yourself is by not having vaginal, anal, or oral sex...but if you are sexually active:

• Use a condom every time.
• Limit your number of sexual partners.
• Talk to your partner about past sexual contacts and needle drug use.
• If you or your partner have a rash, sore, redness, or discharge or if you are worried about an STD….DON’T HAVE SEX.
• Avoid all sexual contact until you and your partner have completed treatment.

Get Checked for STDs:

• Every time you have a health exam.
• If you or your partner has sex with someone else.
• Any time you think you might be at risk, even if you don’t have symptoms.

Use condoms correctly every time you have sex. And remember, condoms do not provide complete protection from all STDs.

If you have any symptoms or think you may be at risk for an STD, don’t put it off. Visit your Family Planning health center or another health care provider as soon as possible.