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 a sexually transmitted disease (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.