How to Prevent STDS: Having Good, Clean Fun

How great is sex? You get to experience a bodily connection, plenty of exercise, and a toe-curling orgasm — absolutely no drawbacks, right?

Well, that all depends on your copilot for this erotic encounter and the kind of baggage they’re claiming. STDs/STIs are a very real and insidious risk during any sexual encounter — one you need to be mindful of if you’re sexually active.

So, how can you avoid getting whatever they’re carrying in your carry-on? Here’s what you should know about common STIs and steps you can take to prevent your dick from getting sick when having sex.

What are STDs?

STD stands for sexually transmitted disease. People typically contract an STD through sexual intercourse. Some STDs, however, can find their way into your body through other means — even non-sexual activities. It often depends on the type of infection and even the concentration in the body of the person contracting it.

Side note: The term STD is being phased out in favor of STI — sexually transmitted infection. Both are often technically correct, but healthcare professionals default to STI because “infection” is somewhat more accurate than “disease” and considered less stigmatizing. We’ll be using the terms interchangeably.

Here are some examples of STIs:

• Chlamydia: A bacterial sexually transmitted infection that often presents no symptoms but can cause severe reproductive issues if untreated.
• Gonorrhea: Another bacterial infection that can affect the genital tract, mouth, and anus, potentially leading to serious health problems.
• Syphilis: A bacterial infection that progresses through several stages, starting with sores and potentially leading to organ damage if untreated.
• Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV): A virus that attacks the immune system and can lead to AIDS if untreated.
• Human Papillomavirus (HPV): A viral infection that can cause genital warts and is linked to various cancers, including cervical cancer.
• Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV): A viral infection that leads to painful sores on the genital area or mouth.
• Trichomoniasis: A parasitic infection that can cause itching, burning, and discomfort in the genital area.

How to prevent STDs

Sexually transmitted infections are no joke. You should take extreme care to mitigate your exposure and risk of infection. Here are a few ways to avoid catching something more than just feelings during your next hookup:

Don’t have sex

Ah, abstinence — the health class special. It certainly isn’t the most fun option, but it’s the only 100% guaranteed way to avoid most STIs. Still, some sexually transmitted diseases (e.g., gonorrhea) are spread via saliva, blood, and other bodily fluids, so unless you’re going to be a total hermit, you should probably look into other prevention methods.

Wrap it before you tap it

Synthetic and latex condoms are an excellent way to avoid many common STDs, provided you use them correctly. Use a new condom for each sex act with each partner (in case you were considering a ménage à trois) and avoid oil-based lubricants, which can break down latex condoms. Note that condoms are less effective against STIs that spread via sores (e.g., HPV and herpes).

For anal-oral engagements, a dental dam provides a similar level of protection. Always use protection with new and first-time sexual partners (yes, even if he has “DDF” in his bio).

Get tested regularly

Healthcare professionals highly recommend regular STI screenings for sexually active individuals, especially those with multiple partners. Tests can catch a rogue STI if you were recently exposed. How often you should get tested depends on your sexual activity, age, and other risk factors, so discuss a suitable screening schedule with your doctor based on how much you’re gettin’ it in.

Pick a guy and stick with him

An exclusive relationship offers benefits beyond just foot rubs and rent splitting. If you’re only shacking up with each other, and you both know you’re STD-free, then you can be pretty sure no errant bugs will make their way into the bedroom.

Get the jab before you give him one

Preventative vaccination is a beautiful thing. The HPV and Hepatitis B vaccines can prevent infections and are an essential part of STD prevention. If you want to know how to prevent STDs without condoms, vaccines are one of the only ways to get the same reassurance you’d get with a love glove, although they don’t cover some of the heavy hitters (aka HIV).

PrEP for your sexual exploits

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a marvel of modern medical science. There are several pills or shots that can dramatically reduce your risk of contracting HIV.

Additionally, someone with HIV can undergo antiretroviral therapy (ART) to reduce their viral load of HIV. With regular medication, HIV medicine can even reduce one’s viral load below detectable levels. Undetectable equals untransmittable. We love fucking science!

Male STD warning signs

Unfortunately, STD symptoms vary widely, making it hard to tell whether you have an STI or just a rash from that uncomfortable new jockstrap. Still, some symptoms are always worth a visit to the love doctor (sorry, actually, just the regular doctor).

You could be dealing with a sexually transmitted disease if you experience any of the following:

• Unusual or discolored discharge from the genitals
• Pain or burning during urination
• Sores, bumps, or rashes on or around the genitals, anus, or mouth
• Itching or irritation in the genital area
• Pain during sexual intercourse

Obviously, you can experience some of these signs of STDs in men without having one; for example, pain during urination could be a UTI, which isn’t categorized as an STI (and has a much more delicious treatment regimen of refreshing cranberry juice).

Another fair warning: You can still contract and spread these infections even without symptoms. Even if someone appears infection-free, you can never be too safe.

How to prevent STDs after exposure

So sex with the man of your dreams has turned into a nightmare between your cheeks — now what? Don’t panic. There are many ways to address STI exposure, and they’re often much less scary and difficult than you think.

Talk with your doctor

If you suspect or know you have been exposed to an STI, get tested — even if you don’t have any noticeable symptoms. Some STDs can be asymptomatic, meaning they show no symptoms but can still cause long-term health issues and transmit to others.

Review your treatment options

If your doctor shares your concern about your exposure, they will likely prescribe something. Bacterial infections like chlamydia and gonorrhea can be treated with an antibiotic regimen. Other infections, like genital warts, will likely require topical treatments or other therapies (e.g., cryotherapy) to remove the warts and alleviate symptoms.

Make the call

Is it possible you slept with others after you contracted this sexually transmitted infection? Then it’s time for the unfun part: rolling up your sleeves and notifying your partners. Fortunately, the stigma surrounding sexually transmitted infections is declining, especially among gay men. As long as you’re upfront and honest, most partners will (hopefully) be grateful for the heads up so they can also take preventive measures.