Facts on Safe Sex

1. Know Where Your Partner's Been

Safe sex practices always include knowing your partner well. You need to discuss each other's sexual history openly and honestly. Before becoming sexually active with someone, testing both partners for sexually transmitted diseases is essential. A monogamous relationship with someone previously tested for STDs is the most sure fire way to practice safe sex.

2. Always Use Rubber

Safe sex means always using a condom. While a condom is not the best way to protect against pregnancy, it is essential to protect again sexually transmitted diseases. If properly used, a condom blocks the exchanging of semen and vaginal fluids, the most common way to transmit STDs. Always use a condom, even if it is in addition to other forms of birth control. Know how to use the condom properly, using it right can make a difference. Most condoms come with instructions in the package.

3. Lube Not Only for Enjoyment

Use lubrication to practice safe sex. Keeping the vagina well lubricated is essential. If there is dry friction during sex, not only does it hurt, but it can cause small lacerations or cuts that can bleed allowing blood exchange in the genitals. The mixture of blood and sexual fluids is the quickest way to transmit diseases. There are certain lubricants that are safe to use with condoms such as KY Jelly. Lubricants meant for other purposes, like Vaseline, can deteriorate condoms.

4. Barrier to Parenthood

There are other barrier forms of birth control that are common but do not prevent the transmission of STDs. Some of these include a diaphragm, a female condom and a sponge. Use one of these in addition to a condom to ensure safe sex and decrease the chances of unwanted pregnancy even more. A diaphragm needs to be custom made by a gynecologist, but female condoms and sponges do not. Insert any of these prior to intercourse and remove immediately after, except for a sponge. Leave a sponge in for several hours since it is soaked in spermicide.

5. Hormonal Protection

Hormonal contraceptives are most protective against pregnancy, but they do not provide protection against STDs. Hormonal contraceptives include birth control pills, patches, nuvaRing, intro-uterine devices and injections. Always use condoms when having sex with someone not tested for disease. Hormonal contraceptives are okay to use alone in a monogamous relationship to protect against unwanted pregnancy only.