Learning to practice safe sex leaves you free to enjoy sex without putting yourself at risk of a sexually transmitted disease (STD) or unwanted pregnancy. It is easier to prevent a sexually transmitted disease (STD) than to treat an infection once it occurs. You can limit your exposure to STDs by practicing the following prevention tactics:
Ask a potential sex partner about his or her sexual history. You will want to know how many partners your new potential partner has had and whether he or she has ever had an STD, including hepatitis B, hepatitis C, or human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. You will also want to know whether that STD was treated and cured. If your new partner has an STD that is not curable, you will want to know how best to protect yourself. You will also need to decide whether you really want to have sex with this person, because there is no perfect way to protect yourself.
Ask a potential sex partner about high-risk behaviors that might increase his or her risk for a blood disease (such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C, or HIV) that is transmitted by sexual contact. High-risk behaviors include intravenous (IV) drug use, anal or homosexual sex, sex with a prostitute, sex with a partner who has high-risk behaviors, or exchange of sex for money or drugs.
Use a male condom or female condom every time you have sex. Latex and polyurethane condoms do not let the viruses that cause STDs pass through, so they offer good protection from STDs. Animal skin (lamb skin) condoms do not protect against viruses. Do not use them for protection against STDs.
Use a water-based lubricant such as K-Y Jelly or Astroglide to help prevent tearing of the skin if there is a lack of lubrication during sexual intercourse. Small tears in the vagina during vaginal sex or in the rectum during anal sex allow STDs to get into your blood.
Know the symptoms of STDs and do not have sex with anyone who has these symptoms. Remember that anyone can have an STD and not have any symptoms.
Pure joy supports thework of the FPA in promoting safe sex practices. The FPA website gives you quick and easy access to facts and advice on sexual health and contraception.
For more information please visit the FPA by clicking here. Please note that this website is in no way affiliated to the FPA. |
