How can you prevent an STI?
You can prevent an STI by:
- Using condoms
- Getting vaccinated against HPV and hepatitis B
- Taking HIV inhibitors (PrEP) to prevent getting HIV
Some things you do during sex are not safe or less safe than others.
Condoms
The best way to prevent an STI is to use a condom during sex. So when your penis enters the vagina or anus. You can also use a condom when giving a blowjob, going down on a person or licking the anus. You can cut the condom open and put it between your mouth and the vagina or anus.
Condoms do not always help 100%. Some STIs are mainly transmitted by skin-to-skin contact. They do however reduce the chance of contracting or passing on an STI. Condoms exist in all sizes, materials, thicknesses and flavours.
HPV vaccine
HPV is an STI that can cause genital warts and various types of cancers. Nearly everyone who has sex has this virus in their body. In the Netherlands, anyone aged 9 to 27 can get vaccinated. It's free for everyone. Once you start having sex, the HPV vaccination provides protection against a number of types of cancer that can be caused by HPV.
Hepatitis B vaccine
Hepatitis B is an STI that can cause severe symptoms. You can get vaccinated against hepatitis B. Then you can no longer get the virus. For some people the vaccination is free.
Prevent HIV: PrEP
PrEP are medicines that help protect you from getting HIV. You take PrEP daily or around the times that you have sex. And when you are at risk of contracting HIV.
Avoid passing on HIV: take HIV medication
Do you have HIV? Then it is important that you start taking antiretroviral medicines as soon as possible. This is medication that ensures that you do not get sick. This prevents you from getting AIDS.
HIV medication ensures that you can no longer pass on HIV to people you have sex with. Even if you have sex without a condom.
It takes 3 to 6 months before you cannot pass HIV anymore. For some people this can be sooner. It is important that you take HIV medication every day. And to have your blood checked regularly.
Are you having sex with someone who has HIV? Then it is important that you know whether they are taking HIV medication every day. Then someone can no longer pass on HIV. Discuss this with each other.