practicing safe sex

Sex is a natural way for two willing adults to express a physical attraction to each other. Safe sex happens when you take steps to help prevent pregnancy and the spread of disease.

Steps you can take to prevent pregnancy include using birth control such as:

Barrier types of birth control include condoms, diaphragms and IUDs (intra-uterine devices). Condoms are the only type of birth control that can help prevent the spread of disease.

• This type of birth control includes daily pills, monthly shots or implants that are put under the skin. Other methods only help prevent pregnancy.

• Certain types of birth control can also cause problems like blood clots or stroke. Talk with your provider about the best option for you.

🄯 only have one sexual partner at a time

🄯 know your partner’s sexual and STD history

🄯 use condoms every time you have sex, even oral sex

🄯 look for signs of STDs on yours and your partner’s body such as a rash, blisters or sores, and oozing from the penis or vagina

Get tested for STDs

• at least once every year if you are having sex

• after having unsafe sex

• if you notice signs of an STD

A vaccine against one STD—human papillomavirus (HPV)—can protect against getting the virus and cancers that the virus causes.

The HPV vaccine is recommended for:

• women younger than 26 years old

• men younger than 21 years old if they only have sex with women

• men younger than 26 years old who have sex with men.

• Safe sex happens when you take steps to help prevent pregnancy and the spread of disease.

• Condoms are the only type of birth control that can help prevent the spread of disease.

• STDs can cause serious health problems.