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Safe
Sex
Some
people decide to delay sex until they
are in a long-term, committed relationship.
Others decide to become sexually active
without one. If you choose to become
sexually active, give priority to your
health and peace of mind by playing
it safe. Remember, you are responsible
for keeping yourself safe! Generally
speaking, women are more susceptible
to contracting sexually transmitted
infections (STI's) than are men.
Safe sex means being intimate but using measures that minimize the risk of
sexually transmitted infections. This means doing what is physically and
emotionally comfortable while preventing contact with you and your partner's
mucous membranes and potentially infected bodily fluids or skin.
Here
are some very helpful guidelines
to keep yourself safe:
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Limit
the number of sexual partners |
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Do
not have sex while under the influence
of drugs and alcohol |
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Discuss
a new partner’s sexual history
before engaging in a sexual relationship
(remember that not everyone is
honest about their past! So, you
need to use your judgment) |
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Always
use a condom for sexual acts, including
vaginal, anal and oral sex. It
is imperative that you use latex
or polyurethane barriers for sexual
contacts with both male and female
partners. |
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Avoid
sexual contact if you or your partner
are showing signs and symptoms
of active genital infection, such
as open sores, or discharge |
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Vaccinate
yourself against Hepatitis B |
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Safe
Sex
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A
few words about contraception
Contraception
means taking the necessary steps to
avoid pregnancy. If you are having
vaginal intercourse with a male partner,
then you are going to need to use some
form of contraception. There are many
methods to choose from, but each has
its own pros and cons. Other factors
to keep in mind are effectiveness,
cost and comfort. For additional information,
please contact the Health and Counseling
Services.
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