Home     About     Safesites     STI's 101

Sexually Transmitted Infections 101

Being educated about sexually transmitted infections is the first step in avoiding getting one. The second step, of course, is using a condom every time you have sex or else leading a sexually abstinent lifestyle. This section aims to provide a basic overview of the variety of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) that are lurking out there.

You can get more detailed information on these topics from the American Social Health Association (ASHA). ASHA is America's authority for sexually transmitted disease information and is recognized by the public, patients, providers and policy makers for developing and delivering accurate, medically reliable information about sexually transmitted infections.

Visit ASHA's website http://www.ashastd.org/to get even more detailed information on STIs, find a testing center, and further learn about the many components of your sexual health. Links are also provided to the Center for Disease Control (CDC) website, where you can find downloadable fact sheets on all STIs.

The following are the most common Sexually Transmitted Infections that are found in the United States

HIV/AIDS : http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/resources/factsheets/transmission.htm

Gonorrhea : http://www.cdc.gov/std/Gonorrhea/STDFact-gonorrhea.htm

Chlamydia :  http://www.cdc.gov/std/chlamydia/STDFact-Chlamydia.htm

Syphilis :  http://www.cdc.gov/std/syphilis/STDFact-Syphilis.htm

Herpes : http://www.cdc.gov/std/Herpes/STDFact-Herpes.htm

HPV and Genital Warts : http://www.cdc.gov/std/HPV/STDFact-HPV.htm

Hepatitis : http://www.cdc.gov/std/hepatitis/STDFact-Hepatitis-B.htm

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease : http://www.cdc.gov/std/PID/STDFact-PID.htm

Bacterial Vaginosis : http://www.cdc.gov/std/bv/STDFact-Bacterial-Vaginosis.htm

Remember, the only way to be 100% sure that you do not get a sexually transmitted infection is to avoid any type of sexual contact altogether. For those who choose to be sexually active, using a condom every time you have sex will dramatically reduce your risk of getting most, but not all sexually transmitted infections (including HIV) and will also very significantly and safely reduce the risk of unwanted pregnancies.

How to use a Condom

Think ya know it all? Well, indulge us and review the basics anyway. Condom breakage is often the result of improper use, so learn to use them correctly.

When USED CORRECTLY, a latex condom dramatically decreases the risk of pregnancy and many sexually transmitted infections. For those with latex allergies, polyurethane condoms are also effective barriers. Remember, condoms only help protect areas that are actually covered by the condom. Herpes, Syphilis and HPV (Genital Warts) can still be passed to your partner by skin to skin contact! Condoms should be put on before the penis touches the vagina, anus or mouth.

  • First, check the expiration date on the condom package. If you're too drunk to find the expiration date, you're too drunk to be having sex!
  • Don't use condoms that have been exposed to heat or light (or the one that has been sitting in your wallet since 7th grade) Use foil-wrapped condoms, not clear-plastic wrapped novelty condoms.
  • Carefully tear open the package...and not with your teeth!
  • Pinch the reservoir tip in between your fingers and unroll the condom all the way down the erect penis, making sure to leave the reservoir tip at the end and making sure to get all the air out.
  • Use PLENTY of water based or silicone based lubricant, especially if you are having anal sex. NOTE: Oil based lubricants or lotions like massage oils will destroy the condom!!  Remember, failure to use enough lubricant can cause the condom to break with friction and may cause physical injury and or discomfort to your partner.
  • Pay attention to the condom’s position on the penis during sex.  Make sure it is rolled down the whole shaft of the penis and that it hasn’t slipped off.
  • After intercourse, while the penis is still erect, grasp the condom as you pull out. Only then should you remove the condom.
  • Wrap the used condom in tissue and toss it in the garbage. Don't flush it! Don't tie the end up, since air kills HIV and some other infectious agents, and sealing up the condom just prolongs the life of the virus.
  • Never reuse a condom and put a new condom on if you are switching between vaginal and anal sex, or vaginal and oral sex, or oral and anal sex

Abstinence

A is for Abstinence: Abstinence isn't a four-letter word. Delaying sexual activity until you're ready to be in a lifelong mutually monogamous relationship is a healthy lifestyle choice and should be respected. Refraining from any sexual activity until you are intellectually and emotionally mature enough to accept the responsibilities that come along with being sexually active (like the possibility of becoming infected with a sexually transmitted infection and the possibility of creating a new human life), is also in your best interest. If you're not actually ready to accept the responsibilities that come along with sexual activity, then right now total sexual abstinence may be the right lifestyle choice for you. If you are not yet responsible enough to 100% commit to safer sex practices (especially condom use), then for now total sexual abstinence may be the right lifestyle choice for you. Total sexual abstinence is the only way to 100% be sure that you will never contract a sexually transmitted infection or be a partner in creating an unwanted pregnancy. Period. With respect to 100% infection prevention, total sexual abstinence means no oral-genital, anal-genital or genital-genital contact. This means, no contact between your genitals and surrounding skin and any part of another person's body. For abstinence to provide 100% protection, it must be practiced 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 52 weeks a year. No slip ups. No mistakes. For those who are able to practice abstinence 100% of the time, it is the most effective way to avoid sexually transmitted infections and unwanted pregnancy. If you choose not to practice total sexual abstinence, the use of a latex or polyurethane condom before the penis makes contact with any part of another person's body, is the best way to reduce the risk of contracting a sexually transmitted infection or creating an unwanted pregnancy.

 
The Great American Condom Campaign is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. All contributions to The Campaign are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law.