Gail Miller Ob/Gyn




Meet Your OB/GYN Specialist

Private Practice: Since 1980 to the present
Board-Certified: American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Fellowship: Infertility, Mt. Sinai Hospital, Chicago, IL
Mt. Sinai Hospital, Chicago, IL
MD: University of Health Sciences Chicago Medical School
Instructor: Obstetrics and Gynecology, Christ Community Hospital,
MacNeal Memorial Hospital and Palos Community Hospital
Dr. Miller


Understanding STDsLas enfermedades de transmisiÂ³n sexual

Understanding STDs


Use Condoms for Safer Sex

If you have sex, latex condoms provide the best protection against STDs. Latex condoms stop the exchange of body fluids that carry certain STDs. They also limit contact with affected skin. Be aware though, a condom doesn't cover all skin. So affected skin that is not covered can still transfer disease. But you're safer with a condom than without one. Use a condom even if you use other birth control. While birth control methods like the pill or IUD help prevent pregnancy, they do not protect against STDs.

Choose the Right Condom

Condoms made of latex prevent disease best. If you're allergic to latex, use polyurethane condoms instead. Male condoms fit over the penis. Female condoms line the vagina. Before buying a condom, read the label to be sure it prevents disease. Some novelty condoms don't.

The Right Lubricant Helps

Buy lubricated condoms or use lubricant. This provides greater comfort and reduces the risk of condom breakage. Use only water-based lubricants such as K-Y or Astroglide. Don't use oil, lotion, or petroleum jelly. They can weaken the condom, causing breakage. Also, you may want to choose lubricants without nonoxynol-9. It's now known that this spermicide does not prevent disease and may cause irritation.

Use Condoms Correctly




  • Check the expiration date before using a condom.


Get to Know Your Partner

Safer sex is a process. It involves getting to know your partner and making informed choices. Ask each other how many partners you have had in the past, and how many you have now. Find out if either of you has an STD. If you decide to have sex, use a condom each time. Don't stop using condoms unless you're sure neither of you has other partners and you've both been tested to confirm you don't have STDs. Then stay free of disease by having sex only with each other (monogamy).

Keep Your Cool

Don't let alcohol or drugs cloud your judgment. They could lead you to have sex with someone you wouldn't have chosen if you were sober. Or, you might forget to use a condom. If you do plan to have sex, keep a latex condom with you. Don't wait until you're in the heat of passion to try to find one.

Consider Abstinence

The only way to be sure you won't get an STD is to abstain from sex. Abstinence is a choice that many people make at some point in their lives. Maybe you want to wait until you are sure you're ready before you have sex. Maybe you'd like a break from the responsibilities of sex for a while. Or maybe you just want to know your partner better before taking the next step. Abstinence is a choice you can make now to protect your future.




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