Having an STD or sexually transmitted disease, can sometimes lead to the loss of your life.
It can be rather embarrassing to have to go to the doctor for treatment of an STD as well, not to mention the stigma associated with it.
So, to avoid getting an STD there are some steps that you can take to protect yourself.
The first thing you can do is limit your number of sexual partners.
The more partners you have, the more chances you will have on contracting an the disease.
It is safer to stay in a monogamous relationship.
If for some reason this is not possible, limit how many people you choose to be intimate with.
You will also have to ask some hard questions.
Honesty is always the best policy to have and you will need to open up to your partner when admitting if you have had any other people and that you have been tested and ask them these questions as well.
If they had a previous sexual relationship you will need to ask if they have been tested.
If for any reason you don't feel comfortable asking then you may want to consider not becoming sexually active with this person until you do feel comfortable asking.
The next step is pretty much a no brainer, use condoms.
If you are a girl, make your partner wear a condom.
Do not be afraid to ask him to as it is for both of your protection and guys you should always wear a condom for the same reason.
Also, look for symptoms in your partner.
You should look for scarring, scabbing, lesions or any unusual discharge.
If you see any of those symptoms, refrain from sex until you ask them about it and they get tested.
Sometimes people can miss the warning signs and a test done by a doctor will let you know for sure.
Another wise way to avoid STD's is to have an annual STD test done.
Some clinics may charge only $100 for the test if you don't have insurance.
Most of the STD's are treatable and some do not have noticeable symptoms and this is why having a yearly test will keep you and your partner or partner's safe.
These are easy steps to follow in order to avoid STD's.