By Lova Lab
Talking about sexually transmitted infections should not be an accusation or a source of shame. Many STIs can cause no symptoms, and human papillomavirus, or HPV, is extremely common. Prevention relies on several complementary tools: information, vaccination when recommended, protection, screening, and communication.
This article provides general guidance. For recommendations adapted to your age, practices, and health, consult a doctor, midwife, sexual health center, or laboratory.
In short: Good habits to adopt
- Use protection appropriate for the activity.
- Change protection between partners and certain body areas.
- Clean or protect shared accessories.
- Get screened according to your practices and professional advice.
- Ask about HPV and hepatitis B vaccination.
- Discuss results without assuming infidelity.
What is an STI?
A sexually transmitted infection can be caused by a bacterium, virus, or parasite. It can be transmitted through vaginal, anal, or oral sex, through skin-to-skin contact in some situations, or via shared equipment.
STIs include chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, HIV, viral hepatitis, herpes, and HPV. Their modes of transmission, screening methods, and treatments differ.
Why the absence of symptoms is not enough
A person can have an STI without knowing it. The absence of pain, lesions, or unusual discharge therefore cannot rule out an infection. Screening is especially important with a new partner, after a risk exposure, or when several partners are involved.
What is HPV?
Human papillomavirus refers to a family of viruses transmitted mainly through intimate skin-to-skin contact. Some types can cause genital warts; others are associated with several cancers, including cervical, anal, penile, and throat cancers.
In many cases, the body clears the infection on its own. Persistent infection with certain types nevertheless requires appropriate monitoring.
Do condoms protect against HPV?
External and internal condoms reduce the risk of many STIs and can reduce exposure to HPV. However, they do not cover all skin that may come into contact. Protection is therefore not complete.
That does not make them ineffective: they remain a major prevention tool, alongside other available measures.
HPV vaccination
Vaccination protects against several HPV types associated with cancers and certain lesions. Its benefit is generally greater before exposure to the virus, but recommendations may also apply in other situations.
Because eligibility criteria and schedules can change, ask a healthcare professional or consult the current official recommendations in France. Vaccination does not replace recommended screening.
Screening: which test and when?
There is no single test for all STIs and no universal screening schedule. Depending on the situation, a professional may recommend:
- a blood test;
- a urine sample;
- a vaginal, anal, urethral, or throat swab;
- a clinical examination;
- cervical screening according to recommendations.
The type of sample depends on sexual practices. Mentioning the areas that have been exposed helps determine the appropriate tests.
How to use protection correctly
Check the date, package integrity, and instructions. Use a new barrier for each sexual encounter and change it between partners. For some activities, it should also be changed when moving from one body area to another.
Use a compatible lubricant to reduce friction and the risk of breakage. Oils can weaken latex condoms.
Oral sex and dental dams
Some STIs can be transmitted through oral sex. Condoms and dental dams provide a barrier. A dental dam should be used once, on one side only, and should not be stretched to the point of tearing.
Sex toys and prevention
A shared accessory can carry bodily fluids or come into contact with several mucous membranes. To reduce risks:
- use suitable protection on the accessory;
- change it between people and body areas;
- clean the product according to its instructions;
- do not share a porous accessory that is difficult to disinfect;
- let it dry completely before storing it.
Lova Lab’s selection specifies materials and care advice to make informed use easier.
How to talk to a partner about screening
Choose a calm moment, before trying a new activity. Use collaborative wording:
- “I’d like us to talk about our most recent screening.”
- “Which protection works for you?”
- “I’d rather we get screened before stopping condom use.”
- “I received a result and I want us to be able to deal with it without judging each other.”
Asking for screening does not mean accusing the other person.
Does a positive result prove infidelity?
Not necessarily. Some infections can remain silent for a long time, and it is not always possible to determine precisely when transmission occurred. In particular, a late HPV detection does not automatically reveal when the infection was acquired.
Focus on medical follow-up, informing the people concerned, and professional recommendations.
What should you do after a risk exposure?
Contact a healthcare professional, sexual health center, or emergency service promptly, depending on the situation. Some measures are time-sensitive, including HIV post-exposure prophylaxis. Do not wait for symptoms to appear.
When should you seek prompt medical advice?
Seek care for pelvic or testicular pain, fever, sores, a rash, burning when urinating, unusual discharge, or unexplained bleeding. Remember, however, that an STI can also be asymptomatic.
Lova Lab’s message
Prevention is not a matter of moral trust; it is shared health. Protection, screening, vaccination, and communication complement one another. Getting informed and setting boundaries are ways of caring for yourself and others.
Frequently asked questions
Can you have an STI without symptoms?
Yes, this is common. Only appropriate screening can look for certain infections.
Do condoms protect against all STIs?
They greatly reduce many risks, but protection is not complete for infections transmitted through contact with uncovered skin.
Should you get screened before stopping condom use?
It is a cautious approach. Ask a professional which tests and waiting periods are appropriate for your situation.
How can you share a sex toy while reducing risks?
Use suitable protection, change it between people and body areas, then clean the accessory according to its instructions.