5 Things You Need to Know About Having Safe Sex

1. Condoms Are Best

If you are having sex, then keeping safe means using condoms. Furthermore, condoms should meet certain requirements to be considered safe. You should not use a condom passed its expiration date or that was stored in a very hot location, like a wallet. You must discard any condom with questionable origins. Although other methods, like the birth control pill, can prevent pregnancy, it will not stop STD transmission.

2. Unsafe Methods

Some people are under the false impression that certain methods or products will keep them protected during sex. One method that many couples rely on involves the man ejaculating outside of the vagina, mouth or anus. Although your chances of getting pregnant decrease with this method, studies show you can still contract an STD through pre-ejaculate fluid. Another ineffective safe sex method involves relying on spermicide alone for protection. Research has shown that these products are not reliable methods of STD and pregnancy control.

3. What's the Deal With Oral?

Safe sex practices extend beyond traditional vaginal intercourse. If you and your partner participate in oral sex, you need to practice safe sex. You can still catch an STD through oral sex. You can even get HIV through oral sex if you don't use protection. This occurs when one of the participants has an open cut in their mouth. Protect yourself by using a condom on a man during oral sex. For women, plastic wrap or a dental dam is acceptable.

4. If You're Sure: Monogamy

After couples have been together a long time, they feel as though they can lose the condoms. The couple should look into several options as a way to protect against pregnancy. Monogamous couples may consider using birth control pills, IUD devices, charting, sterilization and additional methods to stop conception. However, to stay protected from STDs, both couples must stay faithful or use condoms if they have sex outside the relationship. Some people are wary about this method since you're relying on another person to keep yourself protected against STDs. You'll also need to both get tested before losing the condoms. If you are not symptomatic, you should, at the minimum, get a HIV test. If you have any symptoms, like warts, dryness and discharge, then your doctor will likely check for genital warts, chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis and hepatitis.

5. When in Doubt: Abstain

In the heat of the moment, you may feel as though safe sex is overrated. Even if you are unable to find a condom, do not go through with the sex act unless you are willing to risk getting a STD or becoming pregnant. Many couples can get close without having sex. Consider cuddling, hugging or kissing in lieu of a sex act if you're unable to have intercourse safely. If you're really in the mood, you can also consider masturbation as long as no fluids are exchanged.