What You Can Do to Prevent STDs
If you are sexually active,
There are ways you can help reduce your risk of an STD or unintended pregnancy.
Using condoms and birth control gives you the best protection against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and unintended pregnancy. You can access free birth control by scheduling an appointment at one of these locations today. You can also get free condoms at more than 120 locations in Omaha.
Communication Matters
Being abstinent or using protection if sexually active, are a great start to preventing STDs and unintended pregnancy. However, for on-going maintenance of a healthy relationship, it’s important to talk with your sexual partner. You deserve a romantic partner that supports healthy conversations about sexuality, including information about intimacy, boundaries and protection.
Sure, it might be awkward at first, but it’s a lot less awkward with practice. Communication is also incredibly important to maintaining a healthy relationship. It’s a great way to show respect for your partner, and it will make them feel safe, both physically and emotionally. Here are some resources on partner communications: Talking to your Partner | How do I talk to my partner about STD testing
Tips for parents
Talking to your kids about sex can be challenging, but we’ve got you! Parents matter and these conversations are important guidance. Download the Family Communications “Let’s Talk” Toolkit to help talk to your kids about healthy sexuality. Young people want to have open and honest conversations with you. Get the resources you need and get started now! Remember, this is ongoing dialogue. Talk early, talk often.
Birds, Bees and the STDs Planned Parenthood’s Parent Center Advocates for Youth Parents’ Sex Ed Center Talking Consent at Every Age
STD Facts
Let's go over some of the basic information about sexually transmitted diseases, shall we?
Sexually transmitted diseases, or STDs for short, are infections that you can get from having vaginal, oral or anal sex with someone who has the infection. They can also be spread through contact with infected skin or mucous membranes. Sexually transmitted diseases are caused by bacteria, parasites and viruses. There are more than 20 types of STDs. The most common are chlamydia, gonorrhea, HIV/AIDS/HPV, syphilis, herpes simplex and trichomoniasis. Most STDs affect all genders, but in many cases the health problems they cause can be more severe for women, especially if they’re pregnant.
While not all STDs are curable (like gonorrhea and chlamydia), they are all treatable. Many STDs can be treated with antibiotics like you would receive for any other type of infection. If you have an STD caused by a virus, there is no cure. However, some medications can keep the disease under control. If you don’t have an STD, you don’t want one. However, if you get one it is treatable and with assistance from a healthcare provider it can be manageable. Regardless of your STD status, all people deserve and are capable of a healthy, fulfilling relationship.
Abstinence
Abstinence (the act of not doing any kind of sexual stuff with another person, including vaginal, oral and anal sex) is the most effective method to prevent STDs and unintended pregnancy.
People are abstinent for many diverse reasons. Anybody can be abstinent, no matter your age, gender, sexual orientation or the sexual experience you’ve had before.
External Condoms
FOR SEXUALLY ACTIVE PERSONS, CORRECT AND CONSISTENT USE OF EXTERNAL (AKA MALE) LATEX CONDOMS IS HIGHLY EFFECTIVE IN PREVENTING MANY STDS.
The act of putting on a condom may seem like common sense, but it’s not. Make sure the penis is fully erect, and for the sake of everyone involved, use a new condom every time. The good news is that you don’t need a prescription or the approval of a health care professional to get condoms. We provide free condoms at more than 120 locations around Omaha. Take as many as you need, as often as you need to. They’re also available at most drug or department stores, and you don’t need to be a certain age to purchase them. Condom Demonstration You can also find free condoms here.
Internal Condoms
AN INTERNAL (AKA FEMALE) CONDOM IS A SOFT, LOOSE FITTING POUCH THAT IS USED DURING SEXUAL INTERCOURSE TO PREVENT PREGNANCY AND REDUCE THE RISK OF GETTING AN STD.
Internal condoms aren’t as common as external condoms, so it’s important to educate yourself on how to properly use them. Every time you have sex, insert the condom into the vaginal canal. Be sure to use a new one every time you have sex. Internal condoms are prescription-only and can be accessed with no out-of-pocket costs at Planned Parenthood.