Training of Roma Health Mediators in Reproductive Health

Participant document
WAYS TO SIGNIFICANTLY RECUCE THE RISK OF SEXUALLY
TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS
• Make sure you and your partner are not infected. Only have sex with one faithful,
uninfected partner.
• Decide not to have sex. Or, do not have penetrative sex.
• Use condoms correctly every time you have sex.
• Do not use unclean injection needles or receive transfusions of infected blood.
And, do not have sex with someone who does.
• Do not have sex if you or your partner has an infection in the reproductive system.
Wait until after the infection has been fully treated
More ways to reduce the risk of STIs
• Reduce the number of sexual partners you have.
• Choose to be in a mutually monogamous relationship.
• Wait until you are older to begin having sex (or wait until you are older to get
married).
• Find ways to be sexual that do not include penetrative sex.
• Get regular checkups.
• Believe you have the right and responsibility to keep yourself healthy.
• Use a family planning method that also protects against STIs (condom).
• Communicate with your partner(s) about STIs and the risk of infection
• Discuss with your partner about past sexual partners, needle drug use, and
untested transfusions.
• Advocate for yourself. Do not feel pressured into having sex or pressured to
engage in unsafe sex practices.
• Do not pressure others to have sex or engage in unsafe sex practices.
• For women, do not douche and do not put unclean substances (herbs, drying
agents, etc.) into the vagina.
• Do not abuse drugs or alcohol. These substances can cloud your judgment and
make it harder to protect your reproductive health.
• Monitor your body for signs of infection or for changes that are not typical for
you.
• See a health professional if you notice a change that is not typical for you, or if
you think you may have been infected with a STI.
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RFHI/JSI Romania Training of RHMs in Reproductive Health Session 10: STIs