No one wants to catch a sexually transmitted infection. However, for any sexually active person, STDs are a fact of life that you must consider to maintain your own health and the health of those you care about.
So, if you’re interested in learning how to prevent STDs, keep reading.
Worried about STDs? Book an STD test at a sexual health clinic near you.
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Abstention
Abstinence may not be fun at all, but it works.
Sexually transmitted infections are usually passed between people through the exchange of contaminated bodily fluids during intercourse, such as semen and vaginal fluids. If you don’t have sex, it’s incredibly unlikely that you’ll get an STD.
That said, you can still get some STDs even if you don’t engage in sexual activity. Infections such as syphilis, herpes and HPV can be spread through skin-to-skin contact.
So if you want to avoid an STD, don’t have sex!
Non-penetrative sex
Most STIs are spread between people through vaginal, anal and oral sex. If you want to reduce your chance of catching or spreading an infection, you may want to consider non-penetrative sex.
Here are some things you can try to help limit the spread of STDs:
- Mutual masturbation: Stimulating yourself with your partner is a great way to share an intimate moment without direct physical contact.
- External course: Outcourse includes activities that involve pleasure without penetration, such as kissing, touching or rubbing against each other’s bodies.
- Oral sex with protection: While oral sex can transmit some STDs, such as genital herpes, gonorrhea, chlamydia, and syphilis, the risk is generally lower compared to vaginal or anal intercourse. Use condoms or dental dams when giving or receiving oral sex to further reduce your risk.
- Non-penetrative sex: Activities such as sensual massage, kissing, caressing, and using sex toys can provide sexual pleasure without the risk of STD transmission associated with penetration. Just be sure not to share your sex toys unless you thoroughly sterilize them between uses.
Monogamy and mutual testing
If you really want to have sex, but want to limit your risk of STDs, it’s best to be in a mutually monogamous relationship. If both partners only have sex with each other and are not infected, the risk of developing and transmitting STDs is very low (although there are some cases where this is possible).
Before starting a new sexual relationship, it is important to engage in a discussion about the nature of your relationship, how you will both behave and what you will expect from each other. Doing so will encourage open communication between you and your partner, mitigating the risk of misunderstandings and disappointments.
You may want to consider getting both of you tested for STDs before you have sex. If you are both negative, you can proceed with the relationship with limited risk to your health.
Book an appointment online for you and your partner.
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Barrier method of contraception
If you are going to have sex, especially if you are having sex with multiple sexual partners, contraception is the best way to prevent the spread of STDs. While they don’t guarantee you won’t get an infection, they will greatly reduce your risk, as unprotected sex is the most common way STDs are transmitted.
If you have sex with new or multiple partners, use condoms, female condoms, dental dams, and baby cots to create a barrier that will stop the spread of infection.
Vaccination
Some STDs can be prevented through vaccination.
Various strains of human papillomavirus (HPV), which have been linked to certain cancers, can be prevented with a vaccine. The HPV vaccine is available to both men and women and to girls and boys to prevent the virus from spreading. You can also get vaccines for infections such as hepatitis A and hepatitis B.
Education
The more you know, the more power you have to act.
We are fortunate to live in an age where so much information is available at our fingertips online. However, it can be difficult to know which information to trust.
You can learn everything you need to know about STDs and STDs on the Better2Know website. There, you can find information about many different infections, how they behave, the health conditions they cause, and how you can get tested and treated for them.
Follow the links below to learn more about these infections:
Regular testing
If you are sexually active and not in a committed monogamous relationship, you should get tested often. This includes getting regular STD screens that check for a variety of infections. Doing this will give you the clearest picture of your sexual health.
Here are some of these STI screens you may want to consider:
Full screen STI
Better2Know’s full screen tests for seven common infections that can cause long-term health problems if left untreated.
Our full screen tests for:
- HIV I/II & the p24 antigen
- Chlamydia
- Gonorrhea
- Syphilis
- Hepatitis B
- Mycoplasma
- Ureaplasma
This screen is for downloading 28 days after the disturbing incident.
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Comfort screen
Our Comfort Screen only requires a simple urine sample. We recommend this screen for people who want to be tested for STDs but are afraid of needles or don’t like donating blood. It is great for spotting infections that tend to cause discomfort or irritation in the genital area.
Our Comfort Screen tests for:
- Chlamydia
- Gonorrhea
- Herpes I/II (Current Infection)
- Ureoplasma
- Mycoplasma
- Trichomonas
- Gardnerella
This screen is for downloading 14 days after the disturbing incident.
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Platinum screen
Better2Know’s Platinum Screen is the UK’s most comprehensive STI screen, testing for 11 different infections, giving you the most complete picture of your sexual health possible.
Our Platinum Screen tests for:
- HIV I/II and the p24 antigen
- Chlamydia
- Gonorrhea
- Syphilis
- Hepatitis B
- Hepatitis C
- Herpes I/II (Current Infection)
- Mycoplasma
- Ureaplasma
- Trichomonas
- Gardnerella
This screen is for downloading 28 days after the disturbing incident.
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Blamish screen
Our blemish screen is perfect for anyone who may have a lump, wart, blister, rash or other blemish in their genital area that they want checked.
Blemish Screen tests for:
- Syphilis
- Herpes I/II (Current Infection)
- Genital warts / HPV
This screen can be taken whenever a visual symptom occurs.
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Final thoughts
If you’re worried about STDs, it’s best to get tested. Call the number at the top of this page to speak to one of our trained sexual health advisors or click below to book a sexual health clinic near you.
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