1) Don’t have sex (i.e., oral, vaginal, or anal sex). Abstinence from sexual intercourse is crucial for persons who are being treated for an STD (or whose partners are undergoing treatment) and for persons who want to avoid the possible consequences of sex.

2) Reduce the number of sexual partners and get into a long term, mutually monogamous relationship with a not infected partner.

3) People embarking on a mutually monogamous relationship should have a Comprehensive Screening for common STDs before initiating sex if they want to reduce the risk for future transmission of asymptomatic STDs.

When used consistently and correctly, male latex condoms are highly effective in preventing the sexual transmission of HIV infection. For example studies have shown that when a partner of a heterosexual relationships is HIV negative and the other is HIV positive and condoms were consistently used that person was 80% less likely to become HIV-infected compared with persons in similar relationships in which condoms were not used. Furthermore the risk for other STDs, including chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomonas and the risk of women developing pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) can also be reduced

Although data are more limited, condom use might reduce the risk for transmission of Herpes Simplex virus-2 (HSV-2) and the risk for HPV-associated diseases (e.g., genital warts and cervical cancer) and mitigate the adverse consequences of infection with HPV, as their use has been associated with higher rates of regression of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) and clearance of HPV infection in women, and with regression of HPV-associated penile lesions in men.

Condoms are regulated as medical devices and are subject to random sampling and testing by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Each latex condom manufactured in the United States is tested electronically for holes before packaging. Rates of condom breakage during sexual intercourse and withdrawal are approximately two broken condoms per 100 condoms used in the United States. The failure of condoms to protect against STD transmission or unintended pregnancy usually results from inconsistent or incorrect use rather than condom breakage.

Male condoms made of materials other than latex are available in the United States. However they have had higher breakage and slippage rates when compared with latex condoms and are usually more costly,

more STD News

Laboratory studies indicate that the female condom (Reality™), which consists of a lubricated polyurethane sheath with a ring on each end that is inserted into the vagina, is an effective mechanical barrier to viruses, including HIV, and to semen . There are only a limited number of clinical studies which have evaluated the efficacy of female condoms in providing protection from STDs, including HIV . If used consistently and correctly, the female condom might substantially reduce the risk for STDs. When a male condom cannot be used properly, sex partners should consider using a female condom. Female condoms are costly compared with male condoms. The female condom also has been used for STD/HIV protection during receptive anal intercourse. Whereas it might provide some protection in this setting, its efficacy is undefined.

Vaginal spermicides containing nonoxynol-9 (N-9) are not effective in preventing cervical gonorrhea, chlamydia, or HIV infection. Furthermore, frequent use of spermicides containing N-9 has been associated with disruption of the genital epithelium, which might be associated with an increased risk for HIV transmission. Therefore, N-9 is not recommended by the CDC for STD/HIV prevention. Diaphragm and spermicide use have been associated with an increased risk for bacterial urinary tract infections in women.

Recent studies indicate that N-9 might increase the risk for HIV transmission during vaginal intercourse. Although similar studies have not been conducted among men who use N-9 spermicide during anal intercourse with other men, N-9 can damage the cells lining the rectum, which might provide a portal of entry for HIV and other sexually transmissible agents. Therefore, N-9 should not be used as a microbicide or lubricant during anal intercourse.

WARNING !!!!

Sexually active women who are not at risk for pregnancy might incorrectly perceive themselves to be at no risk for STDs, including HIV infection. Contraceptive methods that are not mechanical barriers offer no protection against HIV or other STDs. Women who use hormonal contraception (e.g., oral contraceptives, Norplant™, and Depo-Provera™), have intrauterine devices (IUD), have been surgically sterilized, or have had hysterectomies should get counseling regarding the use of condoms and the risk for STDs, including HIV infection.