- Seriously consider whether you want to have sex with your partner and make sure that you are comfortable with your decision.
- Stay abstinent or have sex only with a mutually committed and infection-free partner.
- No matter who your partner is, make sure both of you are tested for HIV and other STDs. Make sure both of you receive treatment for any infections.
- Talk to your partner about protection. Make sure your partner knows that you expect to protect yourself every time you have sex, and that this is important to your health.
- Use a condom every time and only use each condom once.
- Do not use condoms that are past the expiration date-they may be less effective.
- Do not use a condom from a torn or open package. If there is even a tiny hole in the condom, throw it away and use another one.
Source: Office on Women's Health
