Catch the Answers

The Prevention

The best way to prevent the transmission of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and other STDs is to abstain from sexual contact before marriage, and practice mutual monogamy after marriage with a spouse who has been tested and is known to be uninfected. Even if you think your child is not sexually active, make sure to discuss abstinence and the proper use of condoms and other forms of sexual protection.

Latex male condoms, when used consistently and correctly during oral, anal, and vaginal sex, can greatly reduce the risk of chlamydia and gonorrhea transmission. Each latex condom manufactured in the United States is tested electronically for manufacturing errors before packaging; however, condom use cannot guarantee absolute protection against any STD. The failure of condoms to protect against STD transmission or unintended pregnancy usually results from inconsistent or incorrect use rather than manufacturing error. The following recommendations ensure the proper use of male condoms:  

• A new condom should be used with each sex act (e.g. oral, vaginal, and anal).
• Condoms should be handled carefully to avoid damage by fingernails, teeth, or other sharp objects.
• An expiration date is printed on all condoms. If past the expiration date, dry, brittle, or discolored at time of opening, discard and use a new condom.
• Only water-based lubricants are to be used with condoms, as oil-based lubricants can weaken latex. Lubricant is to be applied to the outside of the condom only; when put inside the condom it can increase the risk of slippage and disease transmission.
• A condom should be put on after the penis is erect and before any genital, oral, or anal contact occurs with a partner. 
• To prevent the condom from slipping off, it should be held firmly against the base of the penis during withdrawal and removed carefully in order to contain the semen.
• The penis should be withdrawn immediately after ejaculation while it is still erect; the condom should also be removed while the penis is erect to reduce the risk of slippage and disease transmission.

A latex allergy may prevent the consistent and correct use of latex condoms during oral, anal, and vaginal sex. Two general categories of non-latex condoms exist. Condoms made of polyurethane or other synthetic materials are available and provide protection against STDs and pregnancy equal to that of latex condoms. The second category of non-latex condoms is natural membrane condoms (frequently called “natural” condoms or, incorrectly, lambskin condoms). These condoms are usually made from lamb cecum (intestines) and can have pores up to 1500 nanometers in diameter. While these pores do not allow the passage of sperm, using natural membrane condoms for protection against STDs is not recommended, as bacteria and viruses can pass through these microscopic pores.

Female condoms are also available. When a male condom is not being used, sex partners should consider using a female condom. If used consistently and correctly, the female condom can substantially reduce the risk for STDs.

Spermicides do not prevent the transmission of any STD, including chlamydia and gonorrhea. Sometimes spermicides can irritate the skin of the genitals, which could increase the risk of acquiring some STDs.
Washing the genitals, urinating, or douching before or after sex will not prevent the spread of chlamydia, gonorrhea, or any other STD. Oral contraceptives, such as birth control pills, do not provide protection against STDs.    

The greater the number of sex partners, the greater the risk of infection. Decreasing the number of sexual partners will reduce the risk of chlamydia and gonorrheal infections. This is where you, the parent(s), can have the biggest impact on your child’s sexual safety. Make sure they know that the fewer sexual partners they have, the lower their risk of chlamydia and gonorrhea infections will be.

If your child has any STD symptoms, or any unusual symptoms, they should stop having sex and consult a health care provider immediately.