• Abstinence, or not having oral, vaginal or anal sex, is the best way to protect yourself. It is possible to get an STD even without having intercourse (penis in the vagina, mouth or anus) through skin-to-skin contact.
  
  
• There are many alternatives to intercourse, like mutual or self-masturbation.
  
  
• If you have sex, choose only one partner who you know well and trust. Someone who only has sex with you. This is called "mutual monogamy." Limiting your number of sex partners helps reduce your risk of getting an STD.
  
  
• Use latex condoms correctly for any type of sex (vaginal, oral or anal) from start to finish.
  
  
• Limiting your number of sex partners helps reduce your risk of getting an STD. But remember, just because you and your partner may be monogamous with each other, the risk of getting an STD is increased by the number of previous sexual partners either partner has had.
  
  
• Always use water-based lubricants (like K-Y jelly, Astroglide or glycerin) with latex condoms. Oil lubricants, like petroleum jelly, baby oil or cooking oil, can cause latex condoms to break.
  
  
• Latex condoms may protect the penis, vagina, mouth or anus (butt hole) from some STDs, but they don’t offer 100% protection. STDs like HPV and herpes, for example, can be on skin a condom won’t cover (like the base of the penis or the vulva, a woman’s outer genital skin).
  
  
• Sometimes infection can spread to or from areas like the scrotum or anal area. STDs like herpes and genital warts are spread through skin-to-skin contact, not fluid exchange.
  
  
• A female polyurethane condom is available and may protect these areas better, but it is NOT to be used with a male condom.

Know the Facts. Know for Sure.

• If you or your partner have had sex, especially if it was unprotected, you may have an STD and not know it.
  
  
• Remember that in many cases, people don't have symptoms of STDs but may still be able to give an infection to a partner.
  
  
• If you think you have an STD, there is something you can do about it. The only way to know for sure is to be tested. Call ASHA at (800) 227-8922 weekdays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., ET.
  
  
• STDs like chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis are curable. While not curable, diseases like HIV, HPV, herpes and hepatitis B are treatable.
  
  
• If left untreated, STDs can lead to long-term consequences, like infertility, long-term pain or cancer.

If You Think You Have an STD:

• Talk to your mom or dad, or another adult you trust
  
  
• Ask the school nurse about getting help
  
  
• Call your family doctor
  
  
• Call your local public health department or Planned Parenthood clinic

Remember: If you call your local public health department or Planned Parenthood clinic and ask about testing, they cannot diagnose you over the phone. You will need to go to the clinic and get tested to know for sure if you have an STD.