While abstinence, not having sexual intercourse or participating in other behaviors that put us at risk of infection with a sexually transmitted infection (STI),  is the only certain way to avoid infection, most people decide at some point in life to begin to have sexual intercourse.

• neither partner ever had sex with anyone else
• neither partner ever shared needles
• neither partner was ever infected
  

If that is not the case, then it is a good idea for both partners to be tested for STIs and then for you to only have sex with that one person who is only having sex with you. This is called mutual monogamy.

However, if you are unsure of your partner’s history, or whether the person is doing anything risky outside your relationship, the best way to reduce the risk of infection is to participate in “safer sex.”

Remember that most forms of birth control (except latex male condoms or female condoms) do not offer significant protection from infection with STIs.