Prevention

Prevention begins with addressing the high-risk sexual behaviors that you may engage in. Sexually safe behaviors include using protection such as the condom, knowing your sexual partner and history, and avoiding anal intercourse. You must use safe sex practices, such as condoms, if you engage in high-risk sexual behaviors such as these:

• Having multiple sexual partners (or changing sexual partners)

• A previous history of any sexually transmitted disease

• Having a partner with a past history of any STD

• Having a partner with an unknown sexual history

• Using drugs or alcohol (these may increase the likelihood of unsafe sexual practices)

• Having a partner who is an IV drug user

• Bisexual or homosexual partners

• Anal intercourse (Anal sex with a condom decreases the risk of proctitis by STDs, but you can still get proctitis from anal trauma.)

• Having unprotected intercourse (sex without the use of a condom) with an unknown partner