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How is STD transmission reduced?
- Abstinence from sexual activity is the only guarantee to avoid infection.
Good communication and mutual agreement among sex partners who
only have sex with each other and have been tested for STDs. - Using condoms (male or female) with lubrication and changing condoms
between different sexual activities and/or partners can reduce STD risk.
Latex gloves with lubrication and/or dental dams may also reduce risk of
STD transmission for some forms of sex (i.e. rimming, fisting, cunnilingus)
Reducing the number of partners to one or as few as possible also
lowers the risk of STD infection. - Remember, STD prevention involves more than not sharing blood,
semen, or sexual fluids, since transmission of some common STD
organisms occurs by direct contact with STD sores, lesions or infected
skin. Condoms help reduce transmission of most STDs during sex. - The spermicide Nonoxynol-9 is not recommended for STD prevention, alone
or with condoms, due to the possible irritation of the genital tissues resulting
in an increase chance for HIV infection.