Protection against STIs
CondomCondomCovering of thin rubber that a man wears over his erect penis. A…Read more use
For most STIs, you can lower the riskRiskPossibility that something unpleasant may happen, for example a disease.Read more of infectionInfectionInfection occurs when a germ enters the body and causes damage. A germ…Read more:
- Use a condom when having vaginal sexVaginal sexSex with penetration of the vagina.Read more or anal sexSexAll acts that can sexually arouse you. Sex is more than sexual intercourse.…Read more.
- Use a condom if you share sexSexAll acts that can sexually arouse you. Sex is more than sexual intercourse.…Read more toys with other people or clean it very well with water and soap. For instance: dildoDildoA sex toy, usually shaped like an erect penis. You can use a…Read more, vibratorVibratorA sex toy, an electronic device that vibrates. It is used to stimulate…Read more.
- Do not get bloodBloodRed fluid that has important functions in the body, for example: carrying oxygen…Read more or semenSemenThick white fluid that comes out of a man's penis when he ejaculates.…Read more in your mouth during oral sexOral sexStimulating someone else's sexual organs with your mouth or tongue. Oral sex for…Read more. This makes the risk of infection with HIV very small. When you use a condom or dental damDental damThin piece of latex which covers the vulva or anus during oral sex. A…Read more, you also reduce the risk of infection with other STIs.
Condom
Use a condom to protect yourself and your partnerPartnerPerson you are in a relationship with.Read more against STIs and HIVHIVA virus (human immunodeficiency virus) that affects the natural immune system. When someone…Read more. If you do not want to use a condom, talk to a health professional about STI tests and HIV tests.
You are also protected against STIs if you and your regular partner (steady relationship) both test negatively for STIs and do not have sexual intercourse with other people. If you or your partner have sexual intercourseSexual intercourseSexual act in which the penis penetrates (enters) the vagina or anus.Read more with other people, always use a condom.
A condom also protects against unintended pregnancyPregnancyThe time when a woman is expecting a baby. The pregnancy begins when…Read more. There are also other methods of contraception.
Other ways of protection
- Only use your own injectionInjectionWhen you have an injection, fluid (for example medicine or a liquid drug)…Read more material, or new material.
- If you are pregnant and have an STI, ask your general practitioner or a midwifeMidwifeA trained person who helps a pregnant woman before, during and after delivery.…Read more for advice.
- Use your own toothbrush (hepatitis BHepatitis BInfection of the liver caused by a virus. A vaccination can prevent hepatitis…Read more), towels and bed linen (scabiesScabiesAn infection of the skin caused by very tiny animals (mites). Scabies causes…Read more and pubic licePubic liceParasites (very tiny animals) in the pubic hair. Pubic lice suck blood. They…Read more).
- Do you have sex in exchange for money or goods? Or are you a man who has sex with men? Get yourself vaccinated against hepatitis B. Go to the _W_municipal public healthHealthFeeling physically, mentally and socially well in your environment. Health is more than…Read more service_W_ (GGD) in your area.
Get vaccinated against hepatitis B.
Only use your own injection material, or new material.
If you are pregnant and have an STI, ask a doctor for advice.
Talking to your partner and a health professional
If you have an STISTISTI means sexually transmitted infection: an infection that is usually only transmitted by…Read more you can infect other people. Talk to your partner about it and make sure you both go to your general practitioner or municipal public health service (GGD). By informing your current partner you also protect yourself. If your STI has been cured and you have sex again with your partner who has not been treated, he or she can infect you again.
Do not have sex during STI treatmentTreatmentCare and/or follow-up by a professionally trained person. Treatment can be given with…Read more. Do not only inform your current sex partners, but also ex-partners and other sexual contacts. They can also be infected and pass the STI on to their partner(s) without noticing. By informing your sex partners, you help to prevent STIs spreading further.
Consult the doctorDoctorSomeone who is trained to cure sick people. Doctors can prescribe medicines. A…Read more or nurseNurseA trained person who cares for sick people as a job. Nurses cannot…Read more to find out how far back in time you need to go when it comes to informing sex partners. If you do not want to tell your partner or ex-partners you have an STI yourself you can also warn them anonymously, without mentioning your name (via partnerwaarschuwing.nl).
Couple talking.