Prevention
Take measures to reduce your risk of
becoming infected with
trichomoniasis (trich) or other
sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), such as
gonorrhea,
chlamydia,
HIV, or
syphilis. You can also reduce the risk of transmitting
an STD to your sex partner(s).
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 if he or she is at risk for an STD. Remember that it is
quite possible to be infected with an STD without knowing it. It can take up to
6 months before some STDs, such as HIV, are detected in the blood.
- Be responsible.
- Avoid sexual contact if you have symptoms of an STD or are
being treated for an STD.
- Avoid all intimate sexual contact with anyone who has
symptoms of an STD.
- Don't have more than one sex partner at a time. Your risk of
getting an STD increases if you have several sex partners at the same
time.
Male condom use
Condom use may reduce the risk of
becoming infected with an STD. Condoms must be put on before beginning any
sexual contact. Use condoms with a new partner until you are certain he or she
does not have an STD. Male or female condoms can be used. It is important that
you use a condom properly to prevent the risk of trich infection. For more
information, see
how to use a condom.
Female condom use
Even if you are using a birth
control method to prevent pregnancy, you may wish 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. For more information, see
how to use a female condom.