Will birth control pills protect me from sexually transmitted disease?

No, birth control pills cannot protect you from sexually transmitted diseases (STD’s).

Birth control pills will help prevent pregnancy, but not the transmission of HIV and other STD’s. These diseases can occur if you have unprotected sex with an infected person. No birth control method like pills and intrauterine devices can protect a person from HIV and other STD’s.

Sexually transmitted diseases are caused by viruses that are transmitted through sexual contact. Only if a barrier method is used, like a condom, will you improve your protective measures. The only birth control method that has been proven to help protect from sexually transmitted diseases is the male latex condom. Most condoms are lubricated to enhance the natural pleasure and comfort of intercourse, and there are also non-lubricated condoms that can be used for oral sex. Those who are sexually active and looking to increase their protection against STD’s should highly consider the condom as one of their best defenses. There are some product considerations regarding condoms. Condoms labeled “natural” and others “lambskin” will not protect against sexually transmitted diseases. These have tiny pores that allow body fluids to seep in, and can also allow viruses like HIV, herpes and hepatitis B to go through the condom. Non-lubricated condoms can be accompanied by using “KY Jelly”. The use of massage oil, cold cream, and oil based products for lubrication is not recommended. These may cause the condom to weaken, tear and break.

When partners decide on using condoms, it’s still very important to educate both partners on how to administer the protective barrier properly. Don’t assume the other person will automatically know how to use the condom, as most men have not had enough education or learned how to use one effectively. Ensure you and your partner use a condom for all forms of skin-to-skin sexual contact whether it be vaginal, anal or oral. Incorrectly using a condom is one of the largest reasons accidents and infections can happen. Don’t be hesitant or shy regarding your safety and your future health. Another form of protection, and the only 100% effective measure to prevent unwanted pregnancies and the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases is abstinence.

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