Be frank with your partner prior to having sexual relations. This can be very difficult but you need to be honest about previous or present infections. Avoid all sexual contact if either of you have even mild symptoms. If you notice any soreness, tenderness, or unusual discharge, you need to stop until you have seen a physician. Avoid all sexual contact if you have been notified that a previous partner is infected, or if your partner states that they had symptoms but they went away without treatment.
Many infections have few or minimal symptoms but can still cause serious problems.
Consider pelvic infection risk when you choose your birth control method. Women who use birth control pills have lower rates of pelvic infections than do women who are not using contraception. Using an IUD for birth control can increase the likelihood of bacteria moving from the vaginal and cervix area into the uterus and fallopian tubes. There is minimal risk of getting an infection from hot tubs and toilet seats. Even though it appears that organism can survive for a brief time on objects such as toilet seats and towels, there is no evidence tht anyone has ever acquired an infection from this type of contact.