A Guide to Pregnancy & STI Prevention
Understanding Helps You Make Healthy Decisions
Growing up means making more decisions about your health, relationships, boundaries, and future. Having accurate information can help you make choices that are right for you and your goals.
Sexual activity can involve physical and emotional risks, including pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Understanding those risks, and knowing how to prevent them, is an important part of taking care of your health.
Whether you are dating, thinking about becoming sexually active, or choosing to wait, you deserve accurate information and relationships built on respect, communication, boundaries, and consent.
Choosing to Wait
Not having sex is the only way to completely avoid pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections from sexual activity.
There are many reasons someone may choose to wait to have sex, including:
Personal or family values
Not feeling emotionally or physically ready
Wanting to focus on school, activities, friendships, or future goals
Wanting to avoid pregnancy or STIs
Not feeling ready for the responsibilities that can come with sexual activity
Wanting to wait for a relationship that feels safe, respectful, and committed
Simply not wanting to have sex
You never owe anyone sex or sexual activity.
It is okay to wait. It is okay to set boundaries. And it is okay to change your mind—even if you previously said yes.
Preventing Pregnancy
If you choose to become sexually active, understanding pregnancy prevention can help you make informed decisions about your health.
Different forms of birth control have different levels of effectiveness and must be used correctly to reduce the chance of pregnancy.
It is important to remember that most forms of birth control do not protect against STIs. Condoms can help reduce the risk of both pregnancy and many STIs when used correctly.
A healthcare provider can answer questions about pregnancy prevention and help you understand the options available.
Understanding STIs
A sexually transmitted infection, or STI, is an infection that can be passed from one person to another through sexual contact.
Some STIs cause noticeable symptoms, while others may have no symptoms at all. Someone can have an STI without knowing it.
The only way to completely avoid STIs from sexual activity is not to have sex. For people who are sexually active, prevention strategies include regular testing, mutual monogamy with an uninfected partner, recommended vaccines, and using condoms correctly and consistently.
Knowing the facts can help you make informed decisions and protect your health.
Viral STIs
Some STIs are caused by viruses. Treatment can help manage these infections and reduce health complications and transmission.
HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus)
HIV attacks the body’s immune system. Without treatment, HIV can lead to AIDS. Effective medications allow people with HIV to live long, healthy lives and can greatly reduce the risk of transmitting HIV to others.
Genital Herpes
Genital herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). Symptoms can include blisters or sores, but some people have mild symptoms or no symptoms at all. A person can still transmit the virus when symptoms aren’t noticeable.
Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
HPV is a very common STI. Many HPV infections cause no symptoms and go away on their own, while certain types can cause genital warts or cancers. The HPV vaccine can help prevent several HPV-related cancers.
Bacterial STIs
Bacterial STIs can usually be treated and cured with antibiotics. Finding and treating an infection early can help prevent serious health problems.
Chlamydia
Chlamydia often causes no symptoms. Without treatment, it can cause reproductive health complications, including infertility.
Gonorrhea
Some people with gonorrhea have no symptoms. Others may experience painful urination, unusual discharge, or pelvic pain. Gonorrhea can be cured with appropriate medical treatment.
Syphilis
Syphilis develops in stages and may cause sores, rashes, or other symptoms. Without treatment, it can eventually cause serious health complications. Syphilis can be cured with appropriate antibiotics.
Parasitic STIs
Trichomoniasis (“Trich”)
Trichomoniasis is caused by a microscopic parasite. Many people don’t have symptoms, while others may experience itching, irritation, or unusual discharge. Trichomoniasis is curable with medication.
How Can I Reduce My Risk?
If you are making decisions about sexual activity, it’s important to understand how you can protect your health.
Not having sex is the only way to completely avoid pregnancy and STIs from sexual activity. For people who are sexually active, prevention can include:
Using condoms correctly and consistently
Getting recommended vaccines
Getting tested when appropriate
Talking honestly with partners about sexual health
Limiting exposure to potential infections
Following recommendations from a healthcare provider
STI Testing
Testing is an important part of taking care of your sexual health if you are sexually active.
You may want to talk with a healthcare provider about testing if:
You have had sexual contact and are unsure about your STI risk
You or a partner have symptoms
A partner tells you they have an STI
You have had unprotected sexual contact
You are starting a new sexual relationship
You simply have questions or concerns about your sexual health
A healthcare professional can help determine which tests may be appropriate for you.
Find STI Testing Near You
Free or low-cost STI testing may be available through local health departments, community health centers, and other healthcare providers.
Find a Testing Location → Visit: gettested.cdc.gov
Consent and Communication Matter
Healthy sexual decisions aren’t only about preventing pregnancy and STIs.
Any sexual activity should involve clear and voluntary consent.
Consent means everyone involved freely agrees without being pressured, threatened, manipulated, or guilted.
You have the right to say no
You can change your mind at any time.
Being in a relationship doesn’t mean you owe someone sexual activity.
A previous “yes” doesn’t mean yes in the future.
If someone is unsure or doesn’t consent, stop.
Healthy partners respect each other’s boundaries and decisions.
Think About Your Future
Decisions about sex are personal, but it can help to think beyond the moment.
Ask yourself:
Am I making this decision because I want to, or because I feel pressured?
Do I feel safe and respected in this relationship?
Can I communicate openly with this person?
Are my boundaries respected?
Am I prepared for the possibility of pregnancy or an STI?
Does this decision fit with my values and goals?
Would I feel comfortable talking to a safe adult or healthcare provider about this decision?
You don’t have to make an important decision just because someone else expects you to.
Talk to a Safe Adult
You may have questions that are difficult or uncomfortable to ask—and that’s okay.
Consider talking with a:
Parent or caregiver
Healthcare provider
School nurse
School counselor
Teacher
Another safe adult
A safe adult can help you find accurate information and think through your choices.
Remember
Taking care of your sexual health means having accurate information, understanding risks, respecting boundaries, and thinking about what is right for you and your future.
You have the right to:
Wait until you’re ready.
Set boundaries.
Say no.
Ask questions.
Get accurate information.
Talk to a safe adult.
Make decisions that support your health and future.
HELPFUL Resources
CDC – Sexual Health
Reliable information about STIs, prevention, testing, and sexual health.
Visit: cdc.gov/sti
Planned Parenthood – Learn
Student-friendly information about sexual health, relationships, birth control, pregnancy, STIs, and testing.
Visit: plannedparenthood.org/learn
KidsHealth
Information for teens about puberty, relationships, sexual health, pregnancy, STIs, and making healthy decisions.
Visit: kidshealth.org
HealthyChildren.org
Health information from the American Academy of Pediatrics for young people and families.
Visit: healthychildren.org
Find an STI Testing Location
The CDC’s GetTested tool can help you locate confidential, free, or low-cost testing services in your area.
Visit: gettested.cdc.gov