When it comes to protecting yourself and your partner from sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), it's important to take the necessary precautions. The best way to protect yourself and your partner is to use condoms every time you have anal, vaginal, or oral sex. If you have a latex allergy, synthetic condoms other than latex can be used, although they have higher breakage rates than latex condoms. Natural membrane condoms are not recommended for the prevention of STDs. It's also important to get tested for STDs to make sure that neither of you has an infection.
This is one of the most reliable ways to avoid STDs. If you or your partner test positive for gonorrhea or chlamydia, or both, it's important to notify your sexual partners of the test results. It's best for your partner to find out before they get an infection. When talking to your partner about the test results, it's important to listen instead of talking all the time. Every person reacts differently to news like this, so it's important to be understanding and supportive.
Offer them information about the STD and be ready for them to be surprised. If you discover that you have an STD while you're in a relationship, talk to your partner as soon as possible. If you and your partner decide not to have sex (vaginal, anal, or oral sex), there are other ways you can be intimate or express your feelings for each other. It's important to know that male condoms can't fully protect you and your partner from contracting an STD. If you or your partner are infected with an STD that can be cured, both of you should start treatment right away to avoid getting infected again. You or your partner may have contracted the STD in a previous relationship without even knowing it.
If a person is already HIV-positive, having another STD increases the chance that they will transmit the HIV virus to their sexual partner.
