In today’s world, STIs are common. The CDC estimates that over 50% of people living in the U.S. alone will get an STI or STD at least once in their lifetime. Now, where does that leave you? It’s important to be aware of the top ways to avoid getting an STI as you make sexual decisions.
What Are STIs?
According to the CDC, a sexually transmitted infection, or an STI, is a “virus, bacteria, fungus, or parasite people can get through sexual contact”. This sexual contact includes vaginal, anal, and oral sex, along with mutual masturbation. Each category of contact puts you at risk.
There are currently over 30 known infections or viruses that can be spread through sexual contact. While some are more common and easily cured than others, the risks remain the same. “STIs can have important health consequences, including genital symptoms, pregnancy complications, infertility, enhanced HIV transmission, and psychosocial effects” (PAHO). It’s important to be aware of these risks in order to make safe and responsible decisions going forward.
There are three vital ways to avoid getting an STI and to reduce your exposure to them.
1) Getting tested regularly
Getting tested for STIs is an important step to take. Some STIs, including more common ones like gonorrhea and chlamydia, can be asymptomatic, meaning there are no obvious or visible symptoms for you to notice. Even using a condom doesn’t guarantee 100% safety from a STI. Both you and your partner should be tested and open with each other about your results before having sex.
2) Being in a monogamous relationship
Having multiple sex partners increases your chances of getting a STI. If you stay committed to and only have sex with one person, you are way less at risk for an STI. This is because less bacteria or viruses have the chance to be spread. While this does not lower the risk of an STI to zero, it certainly helps bring the number down.
3) Avoiding any sexual contact
Abstaining from any kind of sexual intimacy is “the only way to completely avoid STIs” (CDC). Not having sex is the singular way to never be at risk for any kind of sexual transmitted viruses or bacteria. While this may seem a difficult route to take, it’s the only route that’s guaranteed to be 100% effective.
How We Can Help
If you think you’ve been exposed to a STI or would like more medically accurate information, we are here to help you. We offer STI/STD testing, education, and private consultations at no cost to you. Schedule an appointment with us by clicking here, calling us at (530)-272-6800 or texting us at (530)-802-0858.
Sources and Links
How to Prevent STIs, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2024
https://www.cdc.gov/sti/prevention/index.html
Sexually Transmitted Infections, Pan American Health Organization, 2023
Eva Fisher
Nursing Director
The content on this page has been reviewed and approved by our Nursing Director.
