STDs — sexually transmitted diseases — are infections that are spread through oral, anal, or vaginal sex.

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The CDC estimates 20 million new STD infections each year.

Most people infected with STDs show little to no symptoms.

What can you do to help prevent the spread of STDs?

STD Prevention Methods

There are 5 important things you can do to prevent the spread of STD's

Man counting to five.

  1. Be Abstinent

  2. Get Vaccinated

  3. Limit Your Sexual Partners

  4. Practice Mutual Monogamy

  5. Use Condoms

Be Abstinent

The best way to protect yourself from STDs is by not having sex.

Abstinence is 100% effective in preventing STDs from spreading.

Black woman shouting no sex.

Quiz

You only need to stop having vaginal intercourse to practice abstinence.

Get Vaccinated

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Vaccines are safe and effective in preventing the spread ofSTDs.Two vaccines approved for use, are the hepatitis B and HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) vaccines.

Vaccine demonstration with syringe and virus models. Photo by Ivan Diaz on Unsplash

HPV vaccines are recommended for preteens and young adults ages 9-26 years of age.

Hepatitis B vaccines are recommended for all ages.

Animated HPV virus saying it's HPV.

Limit Your Sexual Partners

The more sexual partners you have, the more you increase your chances of contracting and/or spreading STDs.

Woman walking towards man laying on the bed. Photo by We-Vibe WOW Tech on Unsplash
  • Limiting the number of sexual partners you have is vital in decreasing your risk for STDs.

  • You and your partner should always get tested and share your test results with each other.

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Practice Mutual Monogamy

A long-term monogamous relationship is one of the most effective ways to avoid STDs.

Woman laying on man's chest Photo by Laura Margarita Cedeño Peralta on Unsplash

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  • Agree to be sexually active with one person who has agreed to only be sexually active with you.

  • Have open and honest communication with your partner.

  • Ensure that you nor your partner are infected with STD's.

Use Condoms

Using condoms consistently and correctly is a safe, reliable, way to reduce STD transmission.

Lady handing another lady a strip of condoms.

Make sure that you use condoms every time you have vaginal, anal, or oral sex.

Quiz

Which condoms do you think are the most effective in STD prevention?

Take Action

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Protect yourself and your partner!

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