Anyone who is sexually active can get an STD, but STDs ARE preventable.
Steps to Stay Healthy
There are steps you can take to keep yourself and your partner(s) healthy.
a. Choose not to have sex
A sure way to avoid STDs, is to not have sex. This means not having vaginal, oral, or anal sex.
b. Have a plan before you are sexually active
i. Learn about STD/STIs and how to get tested for them
   ii. Sex isn’t always planned, know your prevention plan
   iii. Reduce your risk by:
     1. Talking to your healthcare provider about prevention options:
       a. vaccines that prevent HPV
       b. medicines that prevent HIV
     2. Having fewer partners:
       a. Agree to only have sex with one person who agrees to only have sex with you.
       b. Get tested before having sex to make sure neither of you already has an STD
     3. Use a condom correctly every time you have sex from start to finish
       a. Bring a condom with you, even if you are not planning on having sex
     4. Get tested routinely. Talk to your healthcare provider about what STI testing options might be right for you.
