How to Prevent Spreading an STD to Your Partner

Stop sexual activity until you and your partner have been tested and, if needed, treated**. Resume sex only after your doctor says it is safe.

Use condoms or dental dams correctly every time you have sex (vaginal, oral, or anal). This greatly reduces, but does not eliminate, the risk of transmission.

Communicate openly. Tell your partner about your STD status and discuss testing and prevention together.

Both partners should complete any prescribed treatment before resuming sexual activity to avoid reinfection.

Limit your number of sexual partners and consider being in a mutually monogamous relationship with someone who has tested negative for STDs

Get vaccinated: for preventable STDs like HPV and hepatitis B.

Avoid sharing towels or underclothing, and practice good hygiene before and after sex.

Taking these steps helps protect both you and your partner from further spread of STDs.

Related Topics:  Why STDs Are Spiking Among Men—and What You Can Do About It

Why STDs Are Spiking in Men: What You Need to Know

If your a guy and you think you contracted a STD

Citations:

cdc.gov/STI/prevention/lowdown/

Preventing Sexually Transmitted Diseases