Can I get a STI if I am using contraceptives?

Answer: Yes.

“HPV (also known as Genital warts) is not preventable by any contraceptive, including condoms.”
–From a Congressional Report by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  

You are at risk for contracting a STI, regardless of which type of contraceptive you use.

Hormonal Contraceptives (i.e. birth control pills, shot, patch, ring)

  • Do not prevent STIs
  • Actually alter the female genital tract, increasing a woman's risk of contracting Chlamydia (a bacterial STI) and HIV

Barrier Contraceptives (i.e.condoms, diaphragm, cervical cap)

  • Can increase vaginal infection, increasing STI risk
  • People who use condoms have "safe" sex more often, increasing their risk of STI exposure

 

Citation: US Centers For Disease Control and Prevention. 
http://www.cdc.gov/std/hiv/STDFact-STD&HIV.htm