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:

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.