Protect against sexually transmitted infections

Men who have sex with men are at a higher risk of infection with HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, as well as other sexually transmitted infections. Take these steps to protect against sexually transmitted infections:

• Use a condom. Use a new condom every time you have sex, especially during anal sex but ideally during oral sex as well. Use only water-based lubricants, not petroleum jelly, body lotion or oils. Oil-based lubricants can weaken latex condoms and cause them to break.
• Have only one sexual partner. Another reliable way to avoid sexually transmitted infections is to stay in a long-term relationship with only one partner who isn't infected.
• Limit alcohol, and don't use drugs. If you're drunk or high, you're more likely to take sexual risks. If you choose to use injectable drugs, don't share needles.
• Get vaccinated. Vaccinations can protect you from hepatitis A and hepatitis B. These are serious liver infections that can spread through sex. The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine is available to men up to age 26. HPV is associated with anal cancer in men who have sex with men. Mpox vaccination also may be advised for some men who have sex with men. Not all sexually transmitted infections can be prevented by vaccines. For example, hepatitis C is not covered by a vaccine, and it can lead to liver failure and liver cancer.
• Get tested and have your partner tested. Don't have sex without a condom unless you're certain you and your partner aren't infected with HIV or other sexually transmitted infections. Testing is important because many people don't know they're infected. Others might not be honest about their health.
• Ask about medicine to lower your risk. A medicine called doxycycline may be an option to lower the risk for getting syphilis, chlamydia and gonorrhea. Taking doxycycline within three days of sexual activity makes an infection less likely. Talk to your healthcare professional about doxycycline, and ask about testing you may need while taking it.

• Consider pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). PrEP is a way for people who don't have HIV to prevent HIV infection by taking medicine. Several PrEP medicines are available that can reduce the risk of HIV infection in those who are at high risk.

  PrEP can be taken as a pill or as an injection. Talk to your health care provider about which type of PrEP is right for you.

  Before you can use PrEP, you need to be tested to make sure that you don't already have HIV. Your health care provider also should test you for hepatitis B. If you have hepatitis B, you need to have your kidney function tested before you can take PrEP.

  For PrEP to be most effective, follow all the directions your health care provider gives you. While you are taking PrEP, you still need to use other HIV prevention strategies, such as using a condom every time you have sex.