---
title: "Protection | Sutter Health"
description: "Not having sex is the best way to protect yourself from STIs. Having sex with only one uninfected partner who only has sex with you is also safe."
url: "https://www.sutterhealth.org/health/protection"
---

1.  [Home](https://www.sutterhealth.org/) /
2.  [Health and wellness](https://www.sutterhealth.org/health) /
3.  Protection

# Protecting Yourself

If you’re sexually active, take responsibility for avoiding sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

* * *

September 27, 2024Medically reviewed by Teens participating in the Summer Wellness Programs

[Abstinence](https://www.sutterhealth.org/health/abstinence) is the best way to protect yourself from [sexually transmitted infections](https://www.sutterhealth.org/health/sti). Having sex with only one uninfected partner who only has sex with you is also safe. Here are other things you can do to protect yourself:

-   Use a latex [condom](https://www.sutterhealth.org/health/condom) every time for vaginal, anal and oral sex. Condoms will help protect you from STIs much of the time. Both men and women should carry condoms.
-   In addition to condoms, use [spermicide](https://www.sutterhealth.org/health/spermicide).
-   Talk to your partner about past sex partners and about needle drug use. Don't have sex with someone who you think may have an STI.
-   Before you have sex, look closely at your partner for any sign of an STI – a rash, a sore, redness or discharge. If you see anything that worries you, don't have sex!
-   Get checked for an STI every time you have a health exam. If you have more than one sex partner, get examined for an STI any time you think you might be at risk, even if you don't have symptoms.
-   Know the signs and symptoms of an STI. If you notice a symptom that worries you, get checked.
-   If you have an STI, **your partner(s) must get treated** when you do.
-   If you have an STI, **don't have sex until your doctor says you're cured.**

**Last Reviewed:** September 2019

## Explore related topics

[Teen's health](https://www.sutterhealth.org/health/articles?facets=%5B%7B%22i%22%3A%22c_healthTopics.name%22%2C%22v%22%3A%5B%22Teen%27s+health%22%5D%7D%2C%7B%22i%22%3A%22builtin.entityType%22%2C%22v%22%3A%5B%22Sutter+Health+Page%22%5D%7D%5D&limit=10&verticalKey=health-and-wellness)

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