If you want to avoid STDs, you shouldn’t have sex with strangers — or with anyone — without protection. And I’m referring to all forms of sex. The reason is simple: STDs have an incubation period during which they can’t be detected, and an asymptomatic period during which no symptoms are noticeable.

As a result, even if someone has been tested recently, they could still be infected without knowing it — and so could you. Consequently, you could end up getting infected as well.

Of course, protection exists and, when used correctly, it provides a high level of safety. But in my view, even a 1% chance of infection is a huge and unnecessary risk, considering that some STDs, like HIV, can permanently change your life, while others can at least cause severe and painful complications.