Can I get a STI if I am using contraceptives?Am I at a higher risk for contracting STIs if I use condoms or hormonal contraceptives?
Answer: Yes.
You are at higher risk for contracting at least three different STIs:
HPV (Human Papillomavirus)
- A primary cause of cervical cancer
- No contraceptives protect against it
Chlamydia
- The most prevalent STI
- Use of hormonal contraceptives increase risk of contracting Chlamydia
HIV/AIDS
- Contraceptive use creates a genital environment that makes contracting HIV easier
Information on this page provided by the US Centers For Disease Control and Prevention. www.cdc.gov/std/default.htm
DID YOU KNOW...
- Using birth control actually INCREASES your risk of getting a STI by 30%.
- Abstinence is the only 100% effective way in preventing STIs and pregnancy.