Protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs)

    • Brief

    • You can avoid sexually transmitted infections (STIs) by using condoms, taking vaccines, being faithful to your partner and practising safe sex. Your healthcare provider can advise you on ways to protect yourself.

    • Condom use

    • For most STIs, you can lower the risk of infection by practising safe sex, including:

      • Use a condom when having vaginal sex or anal sex.
      • Use a condom if you share sex toys with other people. For instance a dildo or vibrator.
      • Do not get blood or semen in your mouth during oral sex to prevent infection with HIV. When you use a condom or dental dam, you also reduce the risk of infection with other STIs.

    • Importance of condom use

      • Use a condom to protect yourself and your partner against STIs and HIV. If you do not want to use a condom, talk to a health provider about STI tests and HIV tests.
      • You are also protected against STIs if you and your regular partner (steady relationship) both test negatively for STIs and do not have sexual contact with other people. If you or your partner have sex with other people, always use a condom.
      • A condom also protects against unintended pregnancy.

    • Other methods of protection

    • There are also other methods to protect yourself from STIs, and they include:

      • Get vaccinated against hepatitis B and HPV. Ask your healthcare provider.
      • Only use your own injection materials or new materials when injecting drugs.
      • Use only your personal toothbrush (e.g. to prevent hepatitis B infection), towels and bed linen (e.g. against scabies and pubic lice).

    • Talking to your partner and a healthcare provider.

      • If you have an STI you can infect someone else. Go to your healthcare provider.
      • Talk to your partner about it and encourage them to go to a doctor. You protect yourself this way too. If your partner is not treated, you can become infected again if you have sex without a condom.
      • Do not have sex during your treatment or use a condom to lower the risk of infecting your partner.
      • If you have recently had sex with another person, warn them too. Then this person can also get tested and treated.
      • If you are pregnant and have an STI, ask your healthcare provider for advice.