From the Guidelines
To practice safe sex, it is essential to use barrier methods like condoms correctly during every sexual encounter, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex, as recommended by the most recent guidelines 1. When using condoms, it is crucial to follow the correct steps to ensure their effectiveness.
- Store condoms in a cool, dry place to prevent latex degradation over time, and always check the expiration date before use 1.
- Use a new condom for every act of vaginal, anal, and oral sex throughout the entire sex act, from start to finish 1.
- Apply the condom before any genital contact, leaving a half-inch space at the tip for semen to collect, and unroll it all the way to the base of the erect penis 1.
- After ejaculation, grip the rim of the condom and carefully withdraw, then gently pull the condom off the penis, making sure that semen does not spill out 1.
- Use adequate lubrication during vaginal and anal sex, but avoid oil-based lubricants, which can weaken latex and cause breakage 1. It is also important to combine condoms with other contraceptive methods, like hormonal birth control, for additional pregnancy prevention, and to get tested regularly for STIs, especially when beginning new sexual relationships 1. Regular screenings for STIs like herpes and HPV are also crucial, as they can be transmitted even with barrier methods 1. By following these guidelines and using barrier methods correctly, individuals can significantly reduce their risk of STIs and unintended pregnancies, ultimately improving their quality of life and reducing morbidity and mortality.
From the FDA Drug Label
If you are sexually active, you should see a healthcare provider for routine checkups Your healthcare provider will talk to you about and, if necessary, test you for sexually transmitted diseases, teach you about effective methods of routine birth control, and answer any other questions you may have.
The patient should see a healthcare provider for routine checkups to discuss sexually transmitted diseases and effective methods of routine birth control.
- The healthcare provider will talk to the patient about these topics and answer any questions they may have.
- The patient should take the medication as directed and follow up with their healthcare provider if they have any concerns or questions. 2
From the Research
Safe Sex Patient Instructions
- The use of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) with tenofovir disoproxil fumarate/emtricitabine has been shown to be effective in reducing the risk of HIV infection in individuals at high risk, including pregnant women 3 and adolescents 4.
- PrEP has been associated with a decreased risk of HIV infection, with a relative risk of 0.46 (95% CI, 0.33-0.66) compared to placebo or no PrEP 5.
- However, PrEP use has also been linked to an increased risk of renal adverse events (RR, 1.43; 95% CI, 1.18-1.75) and gastrointestinal adverse events (RR, 1.63; 95% CI, 1.26-2.11) 5.
- Daily PrEP use has also been shown to alter the rectal microbiota, with a significant reduction in Streptococcus and an increase in Erysipelotrichaceae 6.
- For adolescents, PrEP safety data and legal issues related to consent and confidentiality must be considered, and providers should partner with the adolescent patient and their parents or guardians to promote medication adherence 4.
- The use of doxycycline as a pre-exposure prophylaxis for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) has also been shown to be feasible and effective in reducing the incidence of STIs in men who have sex with men and transgender women 7.