safe sex

If you or your partner have had sex with anyone else in the past, there may be a chance that one of you has caught an STI without even knowing it. It is a good idea for both of you to get checked out at a clinic before you start having sex, but if that is not possible, you should follow these safer sex guidelines:

• Using condoms (rubbers', sheaths', jonnies') correctly is the best way to avoid infection. They offer protection against STIs and can help to provide protection against cancer of the cervix in women. They are available free from clinics and youth centres.
• Masturbation together is ok so long as neither you nor your partner have cuts, scratches or open wounds on your hands, penis or vagina.
• Anal sex is particularly risky if there is a possibility that your partner is carrying HIV, Hepatitis B, Gonorrhoea, Syphilis or any other STI. There is a higher risk of infection with anal sex as condoms are more likely to break, stronger condoms are available.
• Oral sex can also be risky, Dams (a thin, silky, latex protective barrier) are available for protection when giving oral sex to a woman, and condoms can be used for oral sex given to a man. Both dams and condoms come in flavoured varieties.
• A man can ejaculate on his partner's body provided his semen does not come into contact with a body opening or an open cut, sore or rash.
• If you suspect that either you or your partner has developed an STI of any type, you should not have sex until you have seen a doctor for treatment. If you do, you should use a condom.

Basically, don't take any risks. Always use a condom and think about your and your partner's sexual health.