Which recommendations are appropriate for anyone who is sexually active to prevent STIs?

A 16-year-old female visits a local women’s health clinic to obtain contraception. She asks the nurse, “What can I do to protect myself from diseases like AIDS?” Which recommendations

 

are appropriate for anyone who is sexually active to prevent STIs? Select all that apply.

a. Have regular checkups for STIs even in the absence of symptoms.

b. Learn the common symptoms of STIs and seek help immediately if any develop—even if the symptom is mild.

c. If a partner is infected, consider having sex during menstruation when the risk is greatly decreased.

d. Douche regularly to remove any bacteria that may form in the vagina.

e. Avoid anal intercourse, but if practiced, use a male condom. f. Consider the fact that the younger people are when having sex for the first time, the less susceptible they become to

developing an STI.