STI Prevention

Contents:

• About Sexually Transmitted Infections
  • How to reduce your risk
  • Partner communication
  • STI Testing
  • Safer Sex
• Related Services at Tang Center
• Additional Online Resources
• Related Topics

About Sexually Transmitted Infections
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) were formerly known as sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). The new name is intended to emphasize that anyone can be infected with an STI even without showing symptoms of a disease. Anyone who is sexually active with another person is at risk for STIs, regardless of gender or sexual orientation. STIs can be transmitted through vaginal, anal, and oral sex, as well as intimate skin-to-skin contact.

How to reduce your risk
There are 3 main strategies to reduce the risk of STIs:

• Abstinence: not having sex
• Mutual monogamy: having sex with only one person, who has sex with only you
• Safer sex: using condoms and other barrier methods

Partner Communication
Communication is another critical part of STI prevention. The prevention strategies mentioned above require open communication with your partner(s) to be most effective. A discussion of sexual history is an important safer sex strategy. Also, if you experience any STI symptoms, you should talk with your sexual partners (past, present, and/or future, depending on the STI). This can allow them to get testing and treatment if needed, preventing further transmission of the STI. Of course, honest communication about the sensitive topic of STIs can be difficult. Some people may find non-verbal communication easier (e.g. putting a condom on the pillow rather than talking about it).

STI Testing
STI testing is an important part of sexual health. Many students ask about “the STI test”, assuming there is one test that covers all STIs. This is not true; instead, a clinician can recommend the tests that are most appropriate for you. If you would like to learn about your risk for STIs, complete this self-assessment. To discuss it with a clinician or sexual health peer educator, print it out and bring it to your appointment.

Safer Sex
The basic premise of safer sex is to avoid the exchange of body fluids and contact with skin which can spread STIs. While sex is never 100% safe, it can be made much safer by using the strategies described below. You should aim for consistent safer sex, but don't let one slip-up throw you off. Instead, just make sure you practice safer sex next time. Remember that alcohol and other drugs can impair your judgment, and plan accordingly.

• Use condoms every time you have vaginal or anal intercourse. Make sure you know how to use them properly.
• Use condoms for oral sex on a man, and dental dams or other barriers for oral-vaginal and oral-anal sex.
• Use condoms on sex toys, especially if used by more than one person or penetrating at more than one site (e.g. anus to vagina).
• Use water-based or silicone-based lubricant with condoms. Lubricant increases sensation and helps to prevent STIs by decreasing friction. Never use oil-based products with latex.
• Never re-use condoms, dental dams, or other barriers.

Finally, remember that sex is supposed to be fun, and can still be fun even when thinking about safer sex and STI prevention. Also, nobody’s perfect, and getting an STI is not the end of the world. There are a variety of treatment options available for STIs today.

Disclaimer: The information provided here is not intended to diagnose, treat or provide a second opinion on any health problem or disease. It is meant to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between an individual and his/her clinician.

Last revised: April 2008