Protect Yourself!

There are a number of ways to protect yourself against sexually transmitted diseases and infections.  On this site you will find Safe Sex Guidelines plus links to other sites with more information for you to consider.

There are ways to minimize your risk of diseases and infections you may not know about.  You need to remember that Sex is NOT worth dying for!  The best way to prevent STDs is to avoid sexual contact with others. If you decide to be sexually active, there are things that you can do to reduce your risk of developing an STD by using a little common sense and taking a few simple measures. Whether you are a man or a woman, you do have rights to information prior to engaging in intimacies with someone.

YOUR PARTNER'S HISTORY

Although they may be reluctant in answering, know how many partners your partner has had.  Ask if any of their partner's have ever had an STD and in turn, you should also provide the same information.  Remember, it's true that you not only have sex with your partner, but also with everyone they have had sex with.  The same goes for you. 

Try and delay having sexual relations as long as possible.  The younger people are when they begin having sex, statistically, the more susceptible they become to developing an STD.  The risk of acquiring an STD also increases with the number of partners over a lifetime.

HEALTH and TESTING FOR DISEASES

Although this may sound corny, ask your partner to have an examination for STD's WITH you before becoming sexually active.  Many have commented that it is a rewarding intimate experience that shows you genuinely care about yourself and your partner. If he/she should happen to refuse, tell them you will not have sex with them until they do.  If they do not wish to go with you to have examinations completed, have them provide proof of negative tests.  In turn, you should also be prepared to provide proof of the same to your partner.  Have regular checkups for STDs even if there are no symptoms since many STD's can lay dormant or go undetected for months or even years.  Especially if you have already had sex with someone since your last set of tests.  These tests can be done during your yearly check-up.  ASK your healthcare provider what exactly you are being tested for and make certain you request all that you'd like to be tested for.  You'd be surprised at the number of STD's that are not a part of standard screening.

ARM YOURSELF WITH KNOWLEDGE
Learn as much as you possibly can about the most common symptoms of STDs. If you believe you have developed any symptoms, seek medical help immediately.  With many STDs time is of the essence when seeking true test results.  It is better to be safe than sorry later that you put it off.

MAKE A MUTUAL AGREEMENT
Make an agreement with your partner to have a mutually monogamous sexual relationship.  If either of you or both of you are both unprepared to do this, having sex is not a good idea.  There is too much to lose for a few nights of simple pleasure, regardless of how tempting it may be.

NOTE TO WOMEN
Avoid excessive douching!  Douching often removes some of the normal protective bacteria in the vagina and can increase the risk of contracting some STDs.

PRACTICE SAFE SEX EVEN IF TEST RESULTS ARE NEGATIVE
Even if everything seems fine with both you and your partner, remember there is a window period or incubation period for some diseases before they become visible or noticeable in testing.  You should still practice Safe Sex just to be on the safe side!