Protect Yourself

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You can choose not to have sex (abstain) from, oral, vaginal or anal sex. This is the only sure way to not get an STI or HIV from someone that is infected, and to not get (someone) pregnant.

If you are having sex, or thinking about it, the choices below can protect you.

Talk with your partner about safer sex practices beforehand. For some ideas on how to start talking about it. See more here.  Your partner should always respect your right to say no to anything that does not feel right to you.

Having less sexual partners reduces your risk for an STI or HIV. If you have a new sex partner, or more than one sex partner, your risk for STI/HIV is higher. If you meet someone new, think about getting tested together first. Being monogamous (having sex with one person that only has sex with you) with a partner that is not infected, can also reduce your risk for exposure.

Condoms, used correctly, every time you have vaginal, anal or oral sex will protect you from most STIs and HIV. To learn how to use a male condom correctly click here.

Herpes, warts, and the viruses that cause them can be on the skin not covered by a condom, and so can still be passed skin to skin. So even if you don’t “go all the way” (having vaginal, anal or oral sex), there is  still some risk with skin to skin contact. Birth control shots, pills, implants, IUDs and other methods that prevent pregnancy only prevent pregnancy. They do not prevent STIs or HIV.

PrEP (pre-exposure  prophylaxis (before exposure prevention) is a pill that can reduce your risk of getting HIV by 90%, if taken every day. 

• If you are HIV negative, at risk for HIV, and are interested in PrEP. Learn more about it.
• Looking for a  doctor that can help you get PrEP? Click here for a list of providers. 

PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis (after exposure prevention) can be taken if you think you may have been exposed to HIV within the last 3 days. PEP can prevent HIV, but must be started within 72 hours / 3 days of the exposure. Talk with a healthcare provider right away.  See CDC's PEP factsheet.

Drugs and alcohol can cause you to take risks you would not have made without them, like not using a condom or having sex with someone you would not normally have chosen. Avoid using alcohol or drugs, especially in places or at events that may not be safe, or when you are with people that may not have your best interests in mind. 

If you inject drugs, there are services available for all of the following at DIDHD, call 906-779-7234 for more information. 

• Needle exchange program,
• Substance  abuse counseling and treatment,  
• HIV/STI & Hepatitis C testing,
• other related services.

Other viruses can be passed through sex – like Zika virus. Use condoms or abstain from sex (oral, vaginal or anal) when you or your partner travel to a tropical area (Mexico, Dominican Republic, Haiti, Central or South America and other tropical countries in Africa and the South Pacific), and when you or your partner return from a tropical country -- especially if you are pregnant or are trying to get pregnant. **Zika can cause serious birth defects. Learn more and find out how long you should continue to use condoms or abstain.