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A.D.A.M. Medical Encyclopedia [Internet]. Atlanta (GA): A.D.A.M.; 2013.
A.D.A.M. Medical Encyclopedia.
Safe sex means taking steps before and during sex that can prevent you from getting an infection, or from giving one to your partner.
Information
A sexually transmitted illness (STI) is an infection that can be spread to another person through sexual contact. These infections include:
- Hepatitis
- Syphilis
STIs are also called sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
These infections are spread by direct contact with a sore on the genitals or mouth, body fluids, or sometimes the skin around the genital area.
Before having sex:
- Get to know your partner and discuss your sexual histories
- Don't feel forced into having sex
- Dont have sexual contact with anyone but your partner
Your sexual partner should be someone who you know is free from any STI. Before having sex with a new partner, each of you should get screened for STIs and share the test results with each other.
If you have an STI such as HIV or herpes, let any sexual partner know before you have sex. Allow him or her to decide what to do. If you both agree to have sexual contact, use latex or polyurethane condoms.
Use condoms for all vaginal, anal, and oral intercourse.
- The condom should be in place from the beginning to the end of the sexual activity. Use it every time you have sex.
- Keep in mind that STIs can be spread by contact with surrounding skin areas. A condom reduces your risk.
Other tips include:
- Use lubricants. They may help reduce the chance that a condom will break.
- Use only water-based lubricants. Oil-based or petroleum-type lubricants can cause latex to weaken and tear.
- Polyurethane condoms are less prone to breaking than latex condoms, but cost more.
- Using condoms with nonoxynol-9 (a spermicide) may increase the chance of HIV transmission.
Stay sober. Alcohol and drugs impair your judgment. When you are not sober, you might not choose your partner as carefully. You may also forget to use condoms, or use them incorrectly.
References
- Eckert LO, Lentz GM. Infections of the lower genital tract: vulva, vagina, cervix, toxic shock syndrome, endometritis, and salpingitis. In: Lentz GM, Lobo RA, Gershenson DM, Katz VL, eds. Comprehensive Gynecology. 6th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2012: chap 23.
- Frenkl TL, Potts JM. Sexually transmitted infections. In: Wein AJ, ed. Campbell-Walsh Urology. 10th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2011:chap 13.
- Lin JS, Whitlock E, O'Connor E, Bauer V. Behavioral counseling to prevent sexually transmitted infections: A Systematic Review for the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. Ann Intern Med. 2008;149:497-508. [PubMed: 18838730]
Review Date: 5/31/2012.
Reviewed by: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director and Director of Didactic Curriculum, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, Department of Family Medicine, UW Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington; and Susan Storck, MD, FACOG, Chief, Eastside Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Group Health Cooperative of Puget Sound, Bellevue, Washington; Clinical Teaching Faculty, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M. Health Solutions, Ebix, Inc.
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Behavioral interventions to reduce HIV incidence and HIV/STI prevalence among female sex workers in low‐ and middle‐income countries
The rates of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and sexually transmitted infection (STI) transmission continue to increase, particularly among sex workers and their clients in low‐ and middle‐income countries. Prevention efforts directed towards these infections in this at‐risk population may have had an effect in reducing the overall transmission of HIV/STIs in the general population. Several successful behavioral interventions have been reported including interventions to reduce HIV/STI incidence and prevalence, change behavior, promote condom use, improve condom availability, and increase sexual health knowledge. The review found seven individual randomised controlled trials (RCTs), two cluster‐RCTs and four quasi‐RCTs involving 8,698 participants examining a variety of behavioral interventions to evaluate whether they reduced HIV/STIs rates or resulted in changed behavior among sex workers and their clients. Results showed that the interventions were effective in HIV/STI prevention, including reducing the incidence and prevalence of HIV and STIs. Furthermore, there were some differences in self‐reported behavior including increased condom use and a reduction in the risk of drug use. However, these trials were small and generally had few participants. As a result, evidence for the effectiveness of social cognitive theory and promoting condom use in reducing HIV/STI incidence compared to other behavioral interventions was limited, because no RCTs examined the effects of these interventions on HIV prevalence or on sex workers other than FSWs. In future research and program agendas therefore it is important to assess other potentially more potent behavioral change strategies.
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