you can reduce your risk of becoming infected with chlamydia or another sexually transmitted disease (std) and spreading the disease. practice safe sex preventing an std is easier than treating an infection after it occurs. talk with your partner about stds before beginning a sexual relationship. find out whether he or she is at risk for an std. remember that it is possible to be infected with an std and not know it. hiv for example may not be found in the blood for up to 6 months after initial infection. be careful. avoid sexual contact if you have symptoms of an std or are being treated for an std. avoid sexual contact with anyone who has symptoms of an std or who may have been exposed to an std. do not have more than one sex partner at a time. your risk for an std increases if you have several sex partners. for more information see the topic safe sex. male condom use condoms reduce the risk of becoming infected with an std. a condom must be put on before any sexual contact begins. use condoms with a new partner until you are certain he or she does not have an std. female condom use even if you are using another birth control method you may want to use condoms to reduce your risk of getting an std. female condoms are available for women whose partners do not have or will not use a male condom. webmd medical reference from healthwise this information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information. © 1995-2011 healthwise incorporated. healthwise healthwise for every health decision and the healthwise logo are trademarks of healthwise incorporated.
how can chlamydia be prevented?