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

Practice safe sex

Preventing a sexually transmitted disease (STD) is easier than treating an infection after 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.
• Be responsible.
  • Avoid sexual contact if you have symptoms of an STD or are being treated for an STD.
  • Avoid sexual contact with anyone who has symptoms of an STD or who may have been exposed to an STD.
• Don't have more than one sexual relationship at a time. Your risk for an STD increases if you have several sex partners at the same time.

If you or your partner have had several sex partners within the past year, or you are a man who has unprotected sex with men, talk to your health professional about screening for gonorrhea and other STDs even if you don't have symptoms.

Condom use

Condom use reduces the risk of becoming infected with an STD, especially gonorrhea, chlamydia, and HIV. Condoms must be in place before beginning any sexual contact. Use condoms with a new partner every time you have sex, until you know from test results that he or she does not have an STD. You can use either male or female condoms.

Even if you are using another birth control method to prevent pregnancy, you can use condoms to reduce your risk of getting an STD. Female condoms are available for women whose male partners do not have or will not use a male condom. See tips on female condom use.