|
Using the definations
in the side column, see if you can identify
which types of sexual activity (or inactivity)
are considered no risk (safe sex), some
risk (safer sex), or high risk (unsafe sex)!
When you are finished,
click here to read more about safer
sex.
Safer
Sex
Safe Sex refers to sex that has no risk
for disease transmission. Some examples
are abstinence (not having sex), masturbation,
cyber sex, phone sex, fantasies, and non-sexual
massage.
Safer sex refers to sex
that affords almost no risk for disease
transmission because you are reducing your
risk or taking precautions by using barrier
prevention methods such as condoms, dental
dams, or latex gloves. Sex with a condom
is an example of safer sex.
Unsafe sex refers to
sex that has a high risk of disease transmission.
Sex without a condom is an example of unsafe
sex.
Over-the-Counter
Options
Condoms
Condoms are protection against most STIs.
(Click here for detailed description of
how to use a condom.)
Condom Tips:
 |
Use
only latex condoms becuase they offer
the best protection against infection
and pregnancy. |
|
If you
are allergic to latex, try polyurethane
male condoms or the female condom. |
|
Use
lube to reduce friction which can cause
the condom to break. |
|
Do not
use lambskin condoms! Lambskin has pores
(tiny holes) through which infection
can travel. Lambskin condoms are effective
against pregnancy, but do not protect
against STIs. |
Dental
Dams
Dental dams are squares of latex that are
used for oral sex on the vagina or anus.
They are held across the area to be protected.
Non-microwavable plastic wrap can also be
used in the same way.
Latex
Gloves
Latex gloves are used for sex involving
fingers. They can be used when touching
your partner's genitals, especially if you
have cuts on your hands.
Lubrication
(lube)
Lube is used with barriers to reduce the
rubbing that can cause irritation and sores.
Use water-based lube only. Do not use oil
based lubricants because they break down
latex!
Things
that absolutely, positively should NOT
be used to lubricate latex condoms:
Petroleum, cooking oils, lotions, baby
oil, whipped cream, massage oil, oil-based
perfumes and suntan oils. If you are not
sure, check the label. If the label indicates
oil is an ingredient, do no use the product.
Other
things you can do to protect yourself from
STIs:
|
Talk
to your partner about past sexual experiences.
If these put you at risk, use protection
and avoid similar bahaviors in your
current relationship. |
|
Look
at your partner. Although a person can
have an STI without having any symptoms,
if you do see something irregular like
a sore or a rash, ask your partner about
it. |
|
Get
check ups and be tested. If you have
an STI, follow your doctor's instructions.
Finish all medications given to treat
an STI. It is important to tell your
partner or anyone else that may have
been at risk for the STI, so he or she
can be treated as well. Protect yourselves
during treatment so you do not pass
the infection back and forth between
you. |
|
