Safe Sex

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

• Safe sex is the practice of using precautions to avoid getting or passing on sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). It includes measures to prevent the exchange of body fluids during sexual contact with another person. Body fluids such as saliva, urine, blood, vaginal fluids, and semen may contain the germs that cause STDs. STDs include Chlamydia, genital warts, gonorrhea, syphilis, hepatitis B and C, herpes, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Some STDs in females, if not treated, can make you infertile (not able to have babies). HIV can cause acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), which may be fatal. Practicing safe sex may prevent HIV infection and other diseases from spreading through sexual contact. It can also help prevent unwanted pregnancies.
  
  
• Safe sex measures can include practicing abstinence or decreasing the number of sexual partners you have. Abstinence can range from not having sex with another person to avoiding vaginal and anal intercourse. Having a single sexual partner also prevents spread of diseases. Safe sex measures should be used every time you and your sexual partner have sexual contact. Safer sex activities include social (dry) kissing, body to body rubbing, hugging or massaging, and mutual masturbation. Safer sex also includes oral, vaginal, or anal sex with the use of a condom (rubber) or other barrier. Using your own sex toys, such as vibrators and dildos, may also be safer when they are not also used on your sex partner. Habitual practice of safe sex precautions will help prevent the spread of infectious diseases.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Medicines:

• Keep a current list of your medicines: Include the amounts, and when, how, and why you take them. Take the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency. Throw away old medicine lists. Use vitamins, herbs, or food supplements only as directed.
  
  
• Take your medicine as directed: Call your primary healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not working as expected. Tell him about any medicine allergies, and if you want to quit taking or change your medicine.

Ask for information about where and when to go for follow-up visits:

For continuing care, treatments, or home services, ask for more information.

Practicing safe sex:

If abstaining from sexual activity with a partner is not practical for you, you should do all of these:

• Avoid activities or items that can pass germs: Avoid vaginal or anal hand intercourse, mouth to mouth or french (wet) kissing, or using saliva (spit) as a lubricant. Do not use dildos, vibrators, and other sex toys on both yourself and your sex partner.
  
  
• Condoms and barriers: These are usually made from latex. If you are allergic to latex, use a non-latex product such as polyurethane.
  
  
  • Condoms: Use a condom every time you will have vaginal or anal sex. Condoms for both men and women are available. Condoms can prevent germs from spreading and help keep a woman from getting pregnant. Ask your caregiver for more information about condom use.
    
    
  • Barriers: An oral barrier, such as a dry condom or latex square, must be used when doing oral sex.
  
  
• Limit sexual partners: Have sex with a single partner or avoid multiple sex partners. Also avoid having sex with strangers or those with unknown sexual history.
  
  
• Testing and treatment:
  
  
  • Screening tests: If you are sexually active, you should get tested for STDs on a regular basis. This is very important if you have multiple sexual partners. You may have an STD and not know it. If you are pregnant, you will be screen for STDs to prevent passing them to your unborn baby.
    
    
  • Suspected infections: Get tested if you think or know you had contact with someone who has STD. See a caregiver if you think you have an STD for early treatment. Tell all your sexual partners if you are diagnosed with STD so that they may also be tested and treated. Do not have sex while you are being treated or with a partner who is being treated. Do not have sex until your caregiver tells you it is safe to do so.
  
  
• Vaccinations: You should be vaccinated to prevent getting hepatitis B. There is also a vaccination available to young women before they become sexually active. This vaccine can prevent some types of genital warts caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV). Cervical and other types of cancer can be caused by HPV.

Things to keep in mind:

• Abstinence: Abstaining from having sex with a partner is common, normal, and practiced by many.
  
  
• Avoid alcohol and drugs: Avoid using alcohol or illegal drugs before having sex. These substances can impair your judgment and increase your risk of having unsafe sex.
  
  
• Condoms: Condoms cannot work if you do not use them correctly. Never use natural condoms made from animals ("lambskin") because germs can get through them. A condom is used only once and must be thrown away after use. Ask your caregiver for information on how to use a condom correctly.
  
  
• Damage to skin or mucosa:
  
  
  • Lesions: Having sores, ulcers, or other damage to your skin or mucus membranes can increase your risk of getting STDs. Mucus membranes are the areas of your body that are normally moist, such as your mouth or vagina. Using spermicides can irritate your vagina or rectum and may increase your risk of getting HIV.
    
    
  • Oral precautions: Do not brush or floss your teeth if you have had oral sex without a condom. Small cuts in the gums may make it easier for germs to get into the body. You should not let the person getting oral sex ejaculate (come) in your mouth.
  
  
• Lubricants: Use lubricants that are water-based when you use a latex condom. Do not use oil-based lubricants with latex condoms or barriers. These will weaken the latex and may cause it to break. Never use baby oil or hand lotion.

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

• You have questions or concerns about safe sex or sexually transmitted diseases.
  
  

SEEK CARE IMMEDIATELY IF:

• A condom breaks, leaks, or slips off while you are having sex.
  
  
• You notice skin lesions (sores) on your penis, vagina, anal area, or skin around them.
  
  
• You think you might be pregnant.
  
  
• You have had unsafe sex and want to talk to caregivers about emergency contraception. You may also want to discuss preventive treatment for possible HIV exposure.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Learn more about Safe Sex (Aftercare Instructions)