STD Prevention

There are several methods that are proven to help minimize your risks of getting infected with an STD or STI.

The following are such preventive methods:

Abstinence. Avoiding sexual intercourse, especially when you are not ready, is the best preventive method.

Keeping to one partner and being faithful to him or her. Your partner should do the same (mutual monogamy).

Vaccinations. Vaccines against Hepatitis B and Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) are available. HPV causes cervical cancer and genital warts in women, and anal cancer and genital warts in men.

• For Hepatitis B, a full course of vaccination consists of 3 doses, given at 0, 1 and 6 months. (Medisave – claimable)
• For HPV, 3 doses are also required, given at 0, 2 and 6 months. (Medisave – claimable for women aged 9 – 26)
• Vaccination is a safe and highly effective way to prevent infection.

Use of latex condoms with spermicide. Use of condoms is recommended for all forms of sexual contact, including oral intercourse.

HIV Post Exposure Prophylaxis (HIV PEP). Medications are available for use after potential exposure to HIV. Although this is not 100% effective, the success rate is high if medications are started within 72 hours.

Regular HIV and STD screening. The regular screening for STD or STI, and treating infections we find serve to reduce the risk our partners face. Since most STD or STI frequently do not display any symptoms – especially in the early stages – doing screening tests could be the only way an infection is picked up in time for treatment.