Champaign-Urbana Public Health District

Anyone who is sexually active can get an STD.

Some groups are disproportionately affected by STDs:

The good news!

STDs are preventable. There are ways to keep yourself and your partners healthy.

Practice Abstinence - The surest way to avoid STDs is to not have sex. This means not giving vaginal, oral, or anal sex.

Use Condoms - Using a condom correctly every time you have sex can help you avoid STDs. You can still get some STDs from contact with your partner’s skin when using a condom. We offer free condoms and lubricant at CUPHD.

Have Fewer Partners - Agree to only have sex with one person who agrees to have sex with you. Make sure you both get tested to know for sure that neither of you has an STD.

Get Vaccinated - The most common STD can be prevented by a vaccine. The HPV vaccine (Guardasil) is safe, effective, and can help you avoid HPV-related health problems like genital warts and some cancers. We offer the Guardasil vaccine in our clinic.

Talk with Your Partner - Communicating with your partner about STDs and staying safe is important before having sex.

Get Tested - Many STDs don’t have symptoms, but they can still cause health problems. Most STDs are curable and all are treatable.