How Do I Prevent an STI? - Campus Health & Wellbeing

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# 1 Know Your STI Status – Get Tested

Many STIs don’t have symptoms. Regular testing helps you protect yourself and others. Talk openly with your partner(s) about testing and safer sex practices. Testing is available through Health Services. Talking openly about testing is a sign of care and respect.

# 2 Use Condoms

Using condoms the right way, every time you have anal, vaginal, or oral sex, is a highly effective way to reduce the risk of STIs.

There are a few different options, depending on what kind of sex you’re having:

External condoms (worn on a penis or shared toy)
Internal condoms (inserted into the vagina or anus)
Dental dams (used for oral-vaginal or oral-anal contact)

Be sure to check expiration dates, use a new one each time, and avoid reusing any condom or dam. Choosing protection is one way to care for yourself and your partners.

#3 Communicate with Your Partners and Make Informed Choices

Your risk for STIs can depend on factors like the number of partners you have, how often you get tested, and how openly you communicate.

Some people choose to have one partner at a time, while others may have multiple partners and prioritize regular testing and honest conversations about sexual health.

Making informed choices and staying in communication with your partners are important ways to support everyone’s health and well-being.

#4 Vaccinations

Vaccines are safe, effective, and strongly recommended. They help protect against:

HPV (Human Papillomavirus)
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis B

Check your immunization record and schedule updates through Health Services or your provider.

#5 Abstinence

Abstinence, or choosing not to have anal, vaginal, or oral sex, is the most reliable way to prevent STIs. Some people choose abstinence all the time, while others may choose it during certain periods of their life. Whether it’s for personal, cultural, emotional, or health reasons, it is a valid and empowered choice.

Like all decisions about your sexual health, choosing abstinence deserves respect and support.

Many STIs are asymptomatic, so you don’t know if you have one unless you get tested. Be open and honest with your sex partner about preventing STIs.

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If you have had an unwanted sexual encounter or believe you have experienced sexual assault, first know that it is not your fault, and we are here to support you.

We strongly encourage that you meet with a confidential Campus Advocate at Safer and seek medical care from Health Services or a local medical provider. If you have experienced harm within the last 7 days, you may have additional medical and reporting options. Medical providers in California are mandated to report injuries as a result of assault or abuse to law enforcement. If you have questions about this, please work with your Advocate and/or medical provider to determine how to best meet your medical needs.

Sources: Centers for Disease Control, 2021 STI, 2023 Hepatitis B and C; California Department of Public Health, 2022.