Myth: Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are not preventable.

Use a condom and/or a dental dam correctly every time you have sex. Condoms and dental dams lessen the risk of infection for all STDs.

Many STDs don’t have noticeable symptoms, but they can still cause health problems. It’s important for you to know your status so you don’t give your partner an STD. The only way to know for sure if you have an STD is to get tested.

Having open communication with your partner about sex and sexual history can bring you and your partner closer together while making you both feel safe. Be sure that you both understand consent and that it is given equally before taking your relationship to the next level.

Hepatitis B and HPV can both be prevented with vaccines. Hepatitis B is an infection of the liver that can be spread through sexual contact. HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI), and it can cause health problems like genital warts and cancers.

Reducing your number of partners can decrease your risk for STDs. You can also talk to your partner about agreeing to only be sexually active with each other. Being in a mutually monogamous relationship with an uninfected partner is one of the most reliable ways to avoid STDs. Get tested together before you have sex will help protect both of you.

Not having sex is the most reliable way to avoid a sexually transmitted disease.

It’s not the end of the world. Many STDs are curable, and all are treatable.