STD prevention

By Mayo Clinic Staff

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are usually spread by having unprotected sexual contact with someone who's infected. STIs are also called sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

You often can't tell if someone has an STI. Many STIs cause no symptoms. In fact, many people who have an STI don't know it.

That's why you need to be extra careful about STI prevention. Barrier methods of birth control such as condoms and dental dams for oral sex help lower the risk of getting most STIs. If you're sexually active, you can help prevent STIs by having just one sex partner who has sex only with you, called monogamous.

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Oct. 19, 2023

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  8. Erectile dysfunction and diabetes
  9. Extended-cycle birth control pills and spotting
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  11. Frequent sex: Does it protect against prostate cancer?
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  17. HPV vaccine
  18. Loss of sex drive in men: Natural with aging?
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  20. Mayo Clinic Minute: Signs and symptoms of syphilis
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  25. Prostatitis and sex
  26. Psoriasis and intimacy
  27. Senior sex tips
  28. Sex after pregnancy: Set your own timeline
  29. Sex and COVID-19
  30. Sex during vaginal infection: Is it harmful?
  31. Talking to your teen about sex
  32. STD testing
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  35. Vagina
  36. Viagra for women: Does it exist?
  37. Women's sexual health
  38. Yeast infection in men: How can I tell if I have one?