A sexually transmitted infection (STI) is an infection that’s spread through sexual contact. This includes skin-to-skin contact.

In general, STIs are preventable. Almost 20 million new STI cases are diagnosed each year in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Being mindful of sexual health and protection may help many avoid these infections.

The only guaranteed method to prevent STIs is to abstain from all sexual contact. However, when engaging in sexual activity, there are steps to limit the risk of STIs.

Effective STI prevention begins before any sexual activity. Here are some steps you can take to reduce your STI risk:

  • Talk honestly with potential partners about both of your sexual histories.
  • Get tested, along with your partner, before having sex.
  • Avoid sexual contact when under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
  • Get vaccinated against the human papillomavirus (HPV), hepatitis A, and hepatitis B (HBV).
  • Consider pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), a medication that someone who is HIV negative can take to reduce their risk of contracting HIV.
  • Use barrier methods every time you engage in sexual activity.

Having a conversation about sexual health with your partner is key, but not everyone with an STI knows they have one. That’s why it’s so important to get tested.

One option for knowing your status is to use an at-home STI test. These tests are not only easy to use, they’re accurate, too. If you want to learn more, this STI/STD review outlines the best at-home tests.

If you or your partner has an STI diagnosis, talk about it. That way you can both make informed decisions.

Using barrier methods can lower your risk of contracting STIs. These methods can include:

  • using external or internal condoms for penetrative intercourse, including with sex toys
  • using condoms or dental dams for oral sex
  • using gloves for manual stimulation or penetration

Maintaining good hygiene before and after sexual contact can also help prevent STI transmission. This can include:

When using condoms and other barrier methods, it’s important to follow instructions. Using condoms correctly makes them more effective. Follow these safety precautions when using internal and external condoms:

  • Check the expiration date.
  • Make sure the package has an air bubble, which shows it hasn’t been punctured.
  • Put the condom on correctly.
  • For external condoms, always leave room at the tip and unroll the condom onto the penis or sex toy, not before it goes on.
  • Use condom-safe lubricant, avoiding oil-based lubes with latex condoms.
  • Hold onto the condom after sex, so it doesn’t slip.
  • Dispose of the condom properly.
  • Never remove a condom and try to put it on again.
  • Never reuse a condom.

Some condoms are better quality than others, while others are better for specific functions. If you’re unsure as to what type of condoms to buy, check out this extensive review of the best condoms.

Condoms and other barriers are very good at preventing the exchange of bodily fluids that contain the virus or bacteria. They can also help to minimize skin-to-skin contact, though they don’t completely remove this risk.

STIs that spread through skin-to-skin contact include:

If you have herpes, you may want to talk to your doctor about suppressive therapy. This type of therapy helps to prevent herpes outbreaks. It also helps to prevent transmission, but it doesn’t cure the infection.

It’s important to know that herpes can be transmitted even when there isn’t an active outbreak.

Though STIs are common, there are ways to prevent them and reduce your risk. If you’re unsure about the right method for you, talk honestly with your partner or your doctor.