Safe sex introduction
Safe sex means taking precautions during sex that can keep you from getting
a sexually transmitted disease (STD), or from giving an STD
to your partner. These diseases include genital herpes, genital warts,
HIV, Chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, hepatitis B and C, and others.
An STD is a contagious disease that can be transferred
to another person through sexual intercourse or other sexual contact.
Many of the organisms that cause sexually-transmitted diseases live
on the penis, vagina, anus, mouth, and the skin of surrounding areas.
Most of the diseases are transferred by direct contact
with a sore on the genitals or mouth. However, some organisms
can be transferred in body fluids without causing
a visible sore. They can be transferred to another person during
oral, vaginal, or anal intercourse.
Sharing needles when using IV (injectable) drugs is also
a major cause of HIV
and hepatitis B transmission. An STD can also be transmitted
through contaminated blood transfusions and blood products, through
the placenta from the mother to the fetus, and sometimes through
breast feeding.
The following factors increase your risk of getting
a sexually-transmitted disease (STD):
- Not knowing whether a partner has an STD or
not
- Having a partner with a past history of any STD
- Having sex without a male or female condom
- Using drugs or alcohol in a situation where sex might
occur
- If your partner is an IV drug user
To stay protected, remember: Be prepared. Use a condom every time you have sex: vaginal, oral or anal.
Carry a latex condom with you in case your partner forgets.
If you don't have a condom, don't have sex.
Don't use oil-based lotions, creams, baby oil or petroleum jelly
with latex condoms. They'll break. Use
water based lubricants instead (like K-Y Jelly).
For extra protection against pregnancy,
women can use spermicidal foam, gel, film sponge or suppositories
in their vagina. Always use these things with a condom, not in place
of them, that way you'll be protected against most STDs.
If you or your partner has had another sex partner both
of you should consider getting tested for STDs. There is
not a test that will 100 percent guarantee that a person doesn't
have, or ever will have, a sexually transmitted disease. However
the more you know the better choices you will make about your life,
your partner, whether to have sex, when to have sex and what kind
of sex to have.
If you become infected with an STD, you can have feelings of guilt,
shame, anger, fear and panic. If you become infected, you may think
your world has turned upside down. But remember, there is something
you can do! Talk to someone; you can call your local clinic, and
talk to your doctor. Get tested. Get treated. Protect yourself so
it doesn't happen again.
Conveniently buy condoms online
in the UK, Ireland and EU at A1Lovers.com.
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