You can choose to say no to alcohol and other drugs. You can choose talk to your partner about sex and HIV.
Safe sex and its benefits
Remember, it is easier to prevent a sexually transmitted disease (STD) than treating the infection. Take a look at the following prevention tactics to limit your exposure to STDs.
- Total abstinence (not having sex) can keep you from getting an STD.
- Delay any kind of sexual activity until you are both emotionally and physically prepared to have sex.
- Always limit your sexual partners. Safest sex is achieved when you have sex with only one partner. With the addition of new sex partners, the chances of you getting exposed to STD is very high.
- Follow prevention methods carefully and consistently.
- Ask your potential sex partner about his/her sex history, This will give you an insight about the number of sex partners your potential partner has had. Or whether he/she has ever had an STD before like hepatitis B, HIV infection or hepatitis C. In case your partner has an STD that cannot be cured, find ways to best protect yourself! But you need to decide whether you really want to get into this mess!
- Use condoms (male or female) whenever you have sex for maximum protection.
- Use a water-based lubricant such as Astroglide or K-Y Jelly to help prevent tearing of the skin if there is a lack of lubrication during sex.
- Educate yourself about sexually transmitted diseases and avoid sex with anyone who shows symptoms of STDs.
What increases the risk of getting an STD?
- Indulging in unprotected anal or vaginal intercourse without female or male condom use, except in a long-term, single-partner (i.e. monogamous) relationship.
- Having unprotected mouth-to-genital contact, except in a long-term monogamous relationship.
- Getting sexually active before the age of 18
- Having multiple sex partners.
- Having a high-risk sex partner (one who has multiple sex partners).
- Having sex with a partner who has a history of drug abuse with infected needles.
Certain conditions, medications, lifestyles and diseases can disrupt your ability to fight or heal infection. You may be at risk for a more serious condition from your symptoms if you have any of the following. Be sure to inform your health professional.
Certain lifestyles are considered high risk:
- Alcohol or drug abuse
- Smoking
- Childhood history of family problems like physical or emotional abuse, domestic violence, mental illness in the household, sexual abuse
- Limited or poor access to health care