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STDs ARE preventable. There are steps you can take to keep yourself and your partner(s) healthy.
Here’s How You Can Avoid
Giving or Getting an STD:
The surest way to avoid STDs is to not have sex.
This means not having vaginal, oral, or anal sex.
Using a condom correctly every time you have sex can help you avoid STDs.
Condoms lessen the risk of infection for all STDs. You still can get certain STDs, like herpes[1] or HPV[2], from contact with your partner's skin even when using a condom.
Most people say they used a condom the first time they ever had sex,[3] but when asked about the last 4 weeks, less than a quarter said they used a condom every time.[4]
Agree to only have sex with one person who agrees to only have sex with you.
Make sure you both get tested to know for sure that neither of you has an STD. This is one of the most reliable ways to avoid STDs.
The most common STD can be prevented by a vaccine.
The HPV vaccine is safe, effective, and can help you avoid HPV-related health problems like genital warts and some cancers.
Who should get the HPV vaccine?
Routine vaccination for boys & girls ages 11 to 12[5]
Catch-up vaccination for:
Many STDs don’t have symptoms, but they can still cause health problems.
The only way to know for sure if you have an STD is to get tested.
Getting an STD is not the end!
Many STDs are curable and all are treatable.
If either you or your partner is infected with an STD that can be cured, both of you need to start treatment immediately to avoid getting re-infected.
Want More Information?
Read CDC's STD Fact Sheets Follow @CDCSTD on Twitter Watch CDC STD on YouTube Like CDC STD on Facebook