Teens: Reduce Your Risk for STIs

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are also called sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). The only sure way to prevent STIs is not having any kind of sex (abstinence). But if you do have sex, take steps to protect yourself:

• Get to know your partner. Ask them if they’ve ever had an STI or been tested. Ask each other how many partners you've had in the past. And ask how many you have now. Stay free of disease by having sex only with each other (monogamy).

• Get vaccinated against HPV (human papillomavirus). This virus causes genital warts, abnormal Pap smears, and cancer. HPV vaccination is recommended for preteens ages 11 or 12 (or can start at age 9) and also for everyone through age 26, if not vaccinated already.

• Always use latex condoms during sex.

• Take medicines to prevent HIV if you're at risk. You can take these within 72 hours after risky sex (PEP: post-exposure prophylaxis). Or you can take them daily if you're having many risky encounters over time (PrEP: pre-exposure prophylaxis). PrEP can also sometimes be taken on demand. This is the case if you have encounters less often, but you know about them in advance. The typical on-demand treatment starts with 2 pills, taken 2 to 24 hours before sex.

• Find out more. If you're concerned about your risk for STIs, talk with your health care provider, school nurse, campus clinic, or local health department.

• Get tested for STIs, so that you can take steps to protect yourself and your partner, or so that you can get treated.