You can lower your risk for STDs if you only have sex with one person who only has sex with you. For example, when you’re drunk or high, you’re more likely to make decisions that put you at risk for an STD, such as having sex without using a condom. Think twice about mixing alcohol and/or recreational drugs with sex.Use a condom correctly and use one every time you have sex.Talk honestly about STDs and get tested-before you have sex. Get to know someone before having sex with them.There are other things you can also do to reduce your risk for STDs: The HPV vaccine is also recommended for men up to age 26.īe Safer: Getting tested regularly and getting vaccinated are both important. For this reason, CDC recommends that you get vaccinated against hepatitis A and B. Get Vaccinated: Gay and bisexual men are at greater risk for hepatitis A and B, and human papillomavirus (HPV). You can learn about how STDs are spread and how you can reduce your risk of getting infected. However, there are many things you can do to protect your health. How can I protect myself?įor anyone, choosing to be sexually active means you are at risk for STDs. STDs like herpes and HIV cannot be cured, but medicines can be prescribed to manage symptoms. It is important to remember that you are at risk for the same or a new STD every time you have sex without using a condom and/or have sex with someone who has an STD. Your partner should be tested and treated, too. If you are ever treated for an STD, be sure to finish all of your medicine, even if you feel better. Some STDs, like gonorrhea, chlamydia and syphilis, can be cured with medication.
You can also visit GetTested to find a confidential, free or low-cost STD testing location near you. You should have a provider you are comfortable with. Your healthcare provider can offer you the best care if you discuss your sexual history openly. Sometimes, your healthcare provider may suggest a herpes test.Gonorrhea of the throat if you’ve performed oral sex (i.e., your mouth on your partner’s penis, vagina, or anus) in the past year.Chlamydia and gonorrhea of the penis if you have had insertive anal sex (been a “top”) or received oral sex in the past year.Chlamydia and gonorrhea of the rectum if you’ve had receptive anal sex (been a “bottom”) in the past year.CDC recommends sexually active gay and bisexual men get tested for: It’s important to get tested to protect your health and the health of your partner. Having an STD, such as herpes, syphilis, or gonorrhea, may make it easier to get HIV. The only way to know your STD status is to get tested.
You or your partner could be infected and not know it. Genital herpes, syphilis, and human papillomavirus (HPV) are most often spread through genital skin-to-skin contact.
Other STDs, including HIV and hepatitis B, are also spread through blood. Some STDs-like HIV, chlamydia and gonorrhea-are spread through sexual fluids, like semen. Sexual contact includes oral, anal and vaginal sex, as well as genital skin-to-skin contact. STDs are spread through sexual contact with someone who has an STD. Homophobia, stigma and discrimination can negatively influence the health of gay and bisexual men.Certain behaviors – such as not using condoms regularly and having anal sex – increase STD risk.Higher rates of HIV and STDs among MSM increase a person’s risk of coming into contact with an infected partner and becoming infected themselves.Many factors contribute to the higher rates of STDs among MSM: In addition to having higher rates of syphilis, more than half of all new HIV infections occur among MSM. While anyone who has sex can get an STD, sexually active gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (MSM) are at greater risk. STDs are very common in the United States-half of all sexually active people will get an STD by age 25. Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are diseases that can be passed from one person to another through intimate physical contact and sexual activity. You can add this content to your website by syndicating. Basic fact sheets answer general questions about STDs.