How can I prevent gonorrhea infection?

Here's how to avoid getting gonorrhea:

• Abstaining from oral, vaginal, and anal sex is 100% effective.

• Consistent and correct use of condoms will prevent transmission of gonorrhea from a male to a partner, as long as the condom does not break.

• Use new condoms for each partner with any shared sex toys, or preferably, do not share sex toys.

• Female barrier methods and spermicides are less effective than condoms but do decrease transmission somewhat.

• Have intercourse only within a monogamous relationship in which both partners have tested negative for gonorrhea.

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You can take measures to reduce your risk of becoming infected with gonorrhea or another sexually transmitted infection (STI). You can also reduce the risk of transmitting gonorrhea to your sex partner(s).

Practice safer sex

Preventing a sexually transmitted infection (STI) is easier than treating an infection after it occurs.

• Talk with your partner about STIs before beginning a sexual relationship. Find out whether he or she is at risk for an STI. Remember that it is quite possible to be infected with an STI without knowing it. Some STIs, such as HIV, can take up to 6 months before they can be detected in the blood.
• Be responsible.
  • Avoid sexual contact if you have symptoms of an STI or are being treated for an STI.
  • Avoid sexual contact with anyone who has symptoms of an STI or who may have been exposed to an STI.
• Don't have more than one sexual relationship at a time. Your risk for an STI increases if you have several sex partners at the same time.

If you or your partner have had several sex partners within the past year, or you are a man who has unprotected sex with men, talk to your doctor about screening for gonorrhea and other STIs even if you don't have symptoms.

Condom use

Condom use reduces the risk of becoming infected with an STI, especially gonorrhea, chlamydia and HIV. Condoms must be in place before beginning any sexual contact. Use condoms with a new partner every time you have sex, until you know from test results that he or she does not have an STI. You can use either male or female condoms.

Even if you are using another birth control method to prevent pregnancy, you can use condoms to reduce your risk of getting an STI. Female condoms are available for women whose male partners do not have or will not use a male condom.