How to protect yourself against sexually transmitted and blood borne infections (STBBIs)

Various measures may be taken to avoid contracting a sexually transmitted and blood borne infection (STBBI). First of all, do not rely on appearances. Your partner may have contracted an STBBI without knowing it and without having any symptoms. A condom or dental dam is the best protection against STBBIs. It must be used correctly, every time you have sex, from start to finish. To consider stopping using condoms, both partners should get tested.

Condoms are the most effective way to avoid getting an STBBI. The condom is put over the penis and prevents direct contact with the skin of the genital areas and with the mucous membranes of the mouth, vagina or anus. It also prevents the exchange of semen and body fluids between partners (vaginal secretions, blood, saliva, etc.).

The condom must be used for the entire duration of sexual activity and a new one used for each act of intercourse.

Condoms are affordable, readily available and easy to use.

There are several kinds of condoms, some of which are thinner or increase sensation in both men and women. You can try different types and brands of condoms to find the one that is right for you.

To be effective, the condom must be used properly:

• As soon as there is contact between the partners’ genitals
• For the entire duration of sexual intercourse
• During any type of sexual intercourse: oral, vaginal or anal
• During every act of intercourse or sexual practice (put a new one on each time)

To use a condom correctly, follow these steps:

1. Check the expiry date on the wrapper
2. Open the wrapper carefully and make sure the condom is not damaged
3. Identify which way the condom rolls
4. Pinch the reservoir tip of the condom and unroll the condom all the way down to the base of the penis. (If the condom is inside out, do not reverse it. Throw it away and use a new one)
5. Pull out when sexual intercourse is over, holding the condom at the base of the penis; this will prevent the condom from slipping and semen from leaking
6. Remove the condom, keeping the semen inside
7. Throw it in the garbage (not in the toilet)

Keep a supply of condoms on hand so that you don’t run out. Find out where you can get condoms, such as in pharmacies, big box stores or online. You can also get them for free from some community organizations or health professionals.

Store condoms in a cool, dry place, away from heat, cold or moisture. Avoid keeping condoms in a wallet or in a pants pocket: friction and compression could damage them.

Learn to use a condom on your own and practice putting it on so that you feel more skilled and confident during sex.

Try different kinds of condoms from the variety available on the market (textured, coloured, flavoured, larger, thinner, thicker, curved, etc.) and choose the one you prefer.

A dental dam is a good way to avoid getting most STBBIs. It is placed over the vulva or anus during oral sex and avoids direct contact of the mouth with the female genitals or anus. The dental dam should be used for the entire duration of sexual activity and a new one used for each act of intercourse.

Dental dams can be purchased at certain pharmacies or online. You can also make a dental dam from a condom. Make sure you have several on hand and keep them in a cool, dry place away from heat, cold and moisture. A dental dam is affordable, easy to make and easy to use.

To make a dental dam from a condom, follow these steps:

1. Remove the condom from the package
2. Cut off the reservoir at the tip of the condom
3. Cut the condom perpendicular to the rim
4. Unroll the condom until it forms a rectangle

Using a condom or dental dam is an excellent way to protect yourself against STBBIs. However, some infections such as genital herpes and HPV (human papillomavirus) can be transmitted through skin contact from infected areas such as the thighs, buttocks or scrotum that are not covered by the condom or dental dam.

To find out more about how STBBIs are spread, go to the page Transmission of STBBIs.

Vaccination is an effective way to prevent some infections that can be transmitted during sex or when dirty equipment is used for drug use, tattooing or piercing. Vaccines are available to prevent hepatitis A, hepatitis B and some strains of human papillomavirus virus (HPV) infections and their complications. These vaccines are offered free of charge to several population groups; other people have to pay to receive them.

Under certain conditions, taking antiviral medications can be a way to reduce the risk of contracting or transmitting human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). People living with HIV and people at high risk of HIV can discuss their options with a health professional.

Using new equipment for drug preparation, injection and inhalation and using new or sterilized equipment for tattooing and piercing reduce the risk of getting hepatitis B and C as well as HIV through blood.

People who use drugs must never share their equipment. For more information, go to the page Distribution of new injection equipment.

The person who is doing the tattooing or piercing must comply with the following measures before and during the procedure:

• Wash their hands and put gloves on
• Clean and disinfect work surfaces between each client, have service delivery areas that are in good condition and easy to clean
• Use new, disposable equipment or sterilized equipment (razors, needles, blades, bottles, ink and anything that comes into contact with the skin or blood)

Several STBBIs do not cause any symptoms, but the later they are detected, the more serious the complications they can cause. Some untreated STBBIs can cause pain in the lower abdomen and during sexual intercourse in women and in the testicles or prostate in men.

The complications of STBBIs are often more serious in women than in men, since they affect the reproductive system. Moreover, the shape of the female genital organs allows prolonged contact of the semen with the vagina and the cervix, which increases the risk of contracting an STBBI.

Certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV) are associated with cervical cancer or increase the risk of developing cancer of the penis or anus. Some infections left untreated during pregnancy can harm the health of the fetus or newborn or even cause its death.

Teenage girls are at higher risk of contracting some STBBIs than older women because their vagina and cervix are less mature.