Does Annovera help prevent STIs?
No. Annovera (an etonogestrel/segesterone acetate vaginal ring) is hormonal contraception. It prevents pregnancy by releasing hormones, not by stopping sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Using Annovera does not protect against HIV, chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, herpes, or HPV.
What should someone use for STI protection while on Annovera?
For STI protection, people need barrier protection such as condoms (and, where relevant, dental dams). Condoms reduce the risk of many STIs when used correctly every time you have sex, even if you also use Annovera for pregnancy prevention.
If both partners are testing negative, is STI protection still needed?
Testing can reduce uncertainty, but it doesn’t eliminate risk for every STI or for future exposures. Since Annovera does not provide STI protection, safer-sex practices (especially condoms) are still the main way to reduce STI risk.
What’s the practical takeaway for people starting Annovera?
Use Annovera to help prevent pregnancy, and use condoms (or other barriers) to help protect against STIs.
Sources:
None provided.