How To Protect Yourself From Sexually Transmitted Diseases
By Elizabeth Boskey, Ph.D., About.com Guide to Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)
STD prevention is more than just wearing a condom. It's making sensible sexual decisions to maintain and improve your health. Part of that requires regular screening and treatment for STDs. Another part is talking to your partners, both new and old. The most important part of STD prevention, however, is taking responsibility for your own decisions and actions. If you want to have sex, be prepared, and bring a condom or other appropriate protection. It doesn't matter if you're male or female, you need to take care of yourself. It's better to be prepared than frustrated!
- Protect Yourself
- Safer Sex Tips and Techniques
- Everyone Is At Risk
- Safer Sex and Teenagers
- Issues in Prevention
Protect Yourself
It's your responsibility to protect your own sexual health. That means not only practicing safer sex, but making smart decisions. What do you need to know to make good choices? Start with the basics below.
- Top 10 Ways To Avoid Getting an STD
- Things To Talk About Before Having Sex
- Do You Have a Condom?
- Negotiating Condom Use
- Do You Practice What You Preach When It Comes To Negotiating Safer Sex?
Safer Sex Tips and Techniques
It's all well and good to suggest that people practice safer sex, but how do you do that? Safer sex is a continuum of choices and actions. The first step is making intelligent decisions about your partners. After that, it all depends on what you want to do.
- The Mechanics of Safer Sex
- Is Oral Sex Safer Sex?
- How to Use a Male Condom
- How To Use a Female Condom
- Make Your Own Dental Dams
Everyone Is At Risk
Although there are factors that put some people at increased risk of acquiring a sexually transmitted disease, the only people who are 100% safe from STDs are those who abstain from all forms of sexual contact. Young or old, white or black, straight or gay -- everyone is at risk of acquiring an STD.
Safer Sex and Teenagers
As much as many people would like to disbelieve it, many teenagers are choosing to have sex. Few, however, would disagree that if teens are going to choose to have sex, it's important for them to do so safely. For that, they need information.
- Top 10 Reasons To Support Comprehensive Sex Education
- The Problem With Virginity Pledges
- Why Young Women Are More Susceptible to Cervical Infection
- What Everyone Should Know About The Hymen
Issues in Prevention
Sexually transmitted disease prevention is a constantly evolving field. Every time science improves, sex advice changes to reflect it. Whether it is the introduction of new contraceptives, new treatments, or new vaccines, keeping up to date on the science of prevention is important for protecting your health.
