4 Ways to Practice Safe Sex

1. Use a Condom

Latex and polyurethane condoms are placed over the penis during sexual activity. They prevent fluids from intermingling and thus contain the spread of STDs and other forms of infection. They are also a reliable for birth control. Many condoms are coated with spermicidal lubricants and similar disinfectants that kill off harmful viruses. Female condoms are available as well. They are inserted into the vagina in a reverse of the way male condoms go on the penis. Both of them usually take a little practice to get used to, so make a little extra time for it if you're not used to them.

2. Use a Dental Dam

Like condoms, dental dams are made of latex, which is nonporous and prevents fluids from intermingling. It is placed between the mouth and the sexual organs during oral stimulation and can be used either genitally or anally.

3. Practice Non-Penetrative Sex

Non-penetrative sex entails stimulation without direct penetrative intercourse or use of the mouth. Because there is no penetration, there is no intermingling of fluids, and your chances of contracting an STD are greatly diminished. Using sex toys are technically forms of non-penetrative sex as well, even though penetration is involved. You and your partner stimulate each other through the use of artificial devices, which eliminates fluid transfer and keeps the sex safe (from diseases at least).

4. Have Solo Sex

Beyond abstention, the safest form of sex is the kind you can perform on your own. The technical term is "auto-eroticism", which can entail a number of different methods, but it usually boils down to variations on simple masturbation. With no partner involved, no fluids are exchanged, and the risk of contracting STDs is eliminated. 21st-century technology has added some new variations on auto-eroticism as well.