STD prevention

By Mayo Clinic Staff

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are usually spread by having unprotected sexual contact with someone who's infected. STIs are also called sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

You often can't tell if someone has an STI. Many STIs cause no symptoms. In fact, many people who have an STI don't know it.

That's why you need to be extra careful about STI prevention. Barrier methods of birth control such as condoms and dental dams for oral sex help lower the risk of getting most STIs. If you're sexually active, you can help prevent STIs by having just one sex partner who has sex only with you, called monogamous.

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Oct. 19, 2023

See also

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  2. Birth control options: Things to consider
  3. Chemotherapy and sex: Is sexual activity OK during treatment?
  4. Choosing a birth control pill
  5. Delaying your period with hormonal birth control
  6. Discolored semen: What does it mean?
  7. Erectile dysfunction and diabetes: Take control today
  8. Extended-cycle birth control pills and spotting
  9. Female orgasm: No climax with vaginal penetration?
  10. Frequent sex: Does it protect against prostate cancer?
  11. Health issues for gay men and other men who have sex with men
  12. Health issues for lesbians and other women who have sex with women
  13. Healthy sperm: Improving your fertility
  14. Heart failure and sex: Is it safe?
  15. High blood pressure and sex: Overcome the challenges
  16. HPV vaccine: Who needs it, how it works
  17. Loss of sex drive in men: Natural with aging?
  18. Male masturbation: Does frequency affect male fertility?
  19. Mayo Clinic Minute: Signs and symptoms of syphilis
  20. Pap smear: Do I need one if I'm a virgin?
  21. Penis fracture
  22. Penis health: Identify and prevent problems
  23. Penis-enlargement products: Do they work?
  24. Preejaculation fluid and pregnancy
  25. Prostatitis and sex
  26. Psoriasis and intimacy
  27. Senior sex: Tips for older men
  28. Sex after pregnancy: Set your own timeline
  29. Sex and COVID-19
  30. Sex during vaginal infection: Is it harmful?
  31. Sex education: Talking to your teen about sex
  32. STD testing: What's right for you?
  33. Testosterone therapy in women
  34. Testosterone therapy: Potential benefits and risks as you age
  35. Vagina: What's typical, what's not
  36. Viagra for women: Does it exist?
  37. Women's sexual health: Talking about your sexual needs
  38. Yeast infection in men: How can I tell if I have one?