References UK clinical guidance from the NHS, the British HIV Association (BHIVA), and the British Association for Sexual Health and HIV (BASHH). Last updated: April 2026.
Protecting yourself from STIs involves combining several strategies — condoms, vaccination, regular testing, PrEP for HIV, and honest communication with partners. No single method is perfect, but using a combination gives strong, reliable protection. Here’s your complete guide.
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Protection Methods
| Method | What It Protects Against |
|---|---|
| Condoms | HIV, most STIs |
| PrEP | HIV (99%+) |
| HPV vaccine | HPV-related cancers and warts |
| Hepatitis B vaccine | Hepatitis B |
| Regular testing | Early detection of all STIs |
| U=U | Zero HIV transmission from treated partner |
| DoxyPEP | Bacterial STIs for MSM |
Condoms
- Use every time, from start to finish
- Water or silicone-based lube
- Never oil-based with latex
- Free from sexual health clinics
Vaccination
- HPV — routine in schools; catch-up available
- Hepatitis A and B — free for at-risk groups
- Mpox — for higher-risk groups
Testing
- Regular screening catches silent infections
- At least annually if sexually active
- Every 3 months for higher-risk groups
Communication
- Talk about testing with partners
- Agree on protection strategies
- Be honest about status
Read more: Ways to prevent STIs | Do condoms prevent STIs? | PrEP
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best single protection?
Condoms plus regular testing is the best broad approach.
Does PrEP replace condoms?
No — PrEP prevents HIV only. Condoms cover other STIs.
Is zero risk possible?
Only with abstinence. A combination approach gets risk very low.
Related reading
- Needlestick Injuries and HIV Prevention
- Can Condoms Protect Against HIV?
- Can You Catch an STI From a Toilet Seat?
- Can You Get Chlamydia From Kissing?
- Can You Get Herpes From a Toilet Seat?
Sources
- NHS — Sexual health conditions
- BASHH — UK clinical guidelines for STI management
- British HIV Association (BHIVA) — HIV treatment guidelines
- Terrence Higgins Trust — sexual health information
- UK Health Security Agency — STI surveillance data
Steve Page is a recognised expert on Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) and STD treatments, having published numerous articles in peer-reviewed journals and presented his research at conferences around the world. He has an in-depth understanding of the latest medical research on STDs, and is an advocate for the development of new treatments and protocols to improve the health of those affected. In addition to his research, he has dedicated his career to understanding the causes and symptoms of STDs, as well as how to best treat those impacted.
