A sexually transmitted infection (STI) is an infection that’s spread through sexual contact. This includes skin-to-skin contact.

In general, STIs are preventable. Almost 20 million new STI cases are diagnosed each year in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) .

注意到性健康和保护可能有助于许多人避免这些感染。

The only guaranteed method to prevent STIs is to abstain from all sexual contact. However, when engaging in sexual activity, there are steps to limit the risk of STIs.

在任何性活动之前开始有效的STI预防。以下是您可以采取的一些步骤来降低STI风险：

  • Talk honestly with potential partners about both of your sexual histories.
  • Get tested, along with your partner, before having sex.
  • 在酒精或药物的影响下，避免性接触。
  • Get vaccinated against the human papillomavirus (HPV), hepatitis A, and hepatitis B (HBV).
  • Consider预曝光预防（准备）, a medication that someone who is HIV negative can take to reduce their risk of contracting HIV.
  • Use barrier methods every time you engage in sexual activity.

Having a conversation about sexual health with your partner is key, but not everyone with an STI knows they have one. That’s why it’s so important to get tested.

If you or your partner has an STI diagnosis, talk about it. That way you can both make informed decisions.

Using barrier methods can lower your risk of contracting STIs. These methods can include:

  • using external or internal condoms for penetrative intercourse, including with sex toys
  • using condoms or dental dams for oral sex
  • using gloves for manual stimulation or penetration

Maintaining good hygiene before and after sexual contact can also help prevent STI transmission. This can include:

When using condoms and other barrier methods, it’s important to follow instructions. Using condoms correctly makes them more effective. Follow these safety precautions when using internal and external condoms:

  • Check the expiration date.
  • Make sure the package has an air bubble, which shows it hasn’t been punctured.
  • 把避孕套放在上面correctly.
  • For external condoms, always leave room at the tip and unroll the condom onto the penis or sex toy, not before it goes on.
  • Usecondom-safe lubricant, avoiding oil-based lubes with latex condoms.
  • Hold onto the condom after sex, so it doesn’t slip.
  • Dispose of the condom properly.
  • Never remove a condom and try to put it on again.
  • 永远不要重复使用避孕套。

避孕套和其他障碍在防止含有病毒或细菌的身体流体的交换非常友好。它们还可以帮助最小化皮肤到皮肤接触，尽管它们并非完全消除这种风险。

STIs that spread through skin-to-skin contact include:

If you have herpes, you may want to talk to your doctor about suppressive therapy. This type of therapy helps to prevent herpes outbreaks. It also helps to prevent transmission, but it doesn’t cure the infection.

It’s important to know that herpes can be transmitted even when there isn’t an active outbreak.

Though STIs are common, there are ways to prevent them and reduce your risk. If you’re unsure about the right method for you, talk honestly with your partner or your doctor.