Prevention of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) (different than contraception)

• It is important to know the methods to avoid pregnancy (contraception).
• However, we wish to underline that despite all the contraceptive methods available, sexually transmitted infections (STI) can only be strongly diminished by the use of male and female condoms.

How to prevent sexually transmitted infections (STI)?

• The ideal way is to have sexual relationships with one partner and to remain faithful (abstinence).
• However, in reality, the adoption of safer sex during intercourse is the best alternative:

1. Male condom
2. Female condom

• Protection with these two methods is good but it is important that the condom does not break during intercourse.
• The condom must also be changed for each sexual act.

• However, the two most common viral infections..:

1. “herpes simplex virus” which is responsible for genital herpes
2. the “human papillomavirus” (HPV) which is responsible for genital warts

• …are often transmitted even if a condom is worn during sex because the virus is also present in external areas where skin-to-skin contact takes place anyways (examples include: vulva, clitoris, anal area, perineum, mouth…).

• Vaccination against cancerous strains of HPV will diminsh anxiety related to the presence of genital warts. However, a definitve solution against genital herpes has yet to be found.