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








