You can take measures to reduce your risk of becoming infected with a sexually transmitted disease (STD). You can also reduce the risk of transmitting an STD to your sex partner.

Delay sexual activity until you are prepared both physically and emotionally to have sex. Nearly two-thirds of all STDs occur in people younger than 25 years old. Sexually active teenagers are at high risk for STDs because they frequently have unprotected sex and have multiple partners. Biological changes during the teen years also may increase their risk for getting an STD.

There is now a vaccine that can help prevent genital warts, human papillomavirus (HPV), and cervical cancer. In 2006, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Gardasil (HPV vaccine (What is a PDF document?) ). This vaccine protects against four types of HPV, which together cause most cases of cervical cancer and genital warts. Gardasil is recommended for girls 11 to 12 years old. It is also recommended for females 13 to 26 years old who did not receive it when they were younger. Studies show that the vaccine is safe and works well to help prevent cervical cancer and genital warts.¹ For more information, see the topic Immunizations.

STDs are a concern worldwide. It is important to practice safe sex with all partners, especially if you or they may have high-risk sexual behaviors.

It is especially important that pregnant women who are at risk for STDs practice safe sex because an STD can affect their baby (fetus). An STD may threaten the life of your baby or cause serious long-term problems or disabilities for your baby.

Practice safe sex

Preventing a sexually transmitted disease (STD) is easier than treating an infection once it occurs.

• Talk with your partner about STDs before beginning a sexual relationship. Find out whether he or she is at risk for an STD. Remember that it is quite possible to be infected with an STD without knowing it. Some STDs, such as HIV, can take up to 6 months before they can be detected in the blood. Ask your partner the following questions.
  • How many sex partners has he or she had?
  • What high-risk behaviors does he or she have?
  • Has he or she ever had an STD?
  • Was it treated and cured?
  • If the STD is not curable, what is the best way to protect yourself?
• Be responsible.
  • Avoid sexual contact or activity if you have symptoms of an STD or are being treated for an STD.
  • Avoid sexual contact or activity with anyone who has symptoms of an STD or who may have been exposed to an STD.
• Don't have more than one sex partner at a time. Your risk for an STD increases if you have several sex partners at the same time.
• Some STDs can also be spread through oral-to-genital or genital-to-anal sexual contact.
• Abstain from sexual intercourse to prevent any exposure to STDs.

Condom use

Male condom use