Safe Sex

GENERAL INFORMATION:

What is safe sex?

• Safe sex is the practice of using precautions when having sex. The reason for this is to avoid getting or passing on a sexually transmitted disease (STD) or other infection. STDs are contagious diseases caused by germs, usually bacteria or viruses. They are usually passed to others through sexual intercourse or other sexual contact. 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 infection can cause acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), which may be fatal. Body fluids can contain the germs that cause STDs. They include saliva, urine, blood, vaginal fluids, and semen.
  
  
• Safe sex precautions decrease or prevent the exchange of body fluids during sexual contact. There are a number of measures you can take to practice safe sex. The safest measure is complete abstinence (not having sex with anyone). Other measures include limiting your number of sexual partners and avoiding vaginal and anal intercourse. The most important measure when having intercourse is to use a condom (rubber). Avoid sexual contact with anyone who has an untreated STD or while they are being treated. Certain safe sex practices may also be used to help prevent pregnancy.

How do I practice 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 screened 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 cancers can be caused by HPV.

When should I practice safe sex? You should use safe sex measures every time you have sexual contact with another person. Safer sex activities include social (dry) kissing, body to body rubbing, hugging or massaging, and mutual masturbation. Other safer activities include oral, vaginal, or anal sex with the use of a condom. Using your own sex toys, such as vibrators and dildos, may also be safer when they are not shared with your partner.

What are the risks of not having safe sex?

• When you do not practice safe sex, you may get severe (very bad) and long-lasting infections. In the United States, half of the population will have at least one STD during their lifetime. Having an STD may make you feel bad about yourself or your partner, and may damage your relationship. You can get STDs caused by bacteria, such as Chlamydia, gonorrhea, or syphilis. These can be treated with antibiotic medicines. Untreated, females can get pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and become infertile. You may also get lice, scabies, yeast infections, or mononucleosis. For females, unsafe sex may cause unwanted pregnancy. Ask your caregiver for more information about Chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, PID, STDs, and ways to prevent pregnancy.
  
  
• You can get STDs caused by viruses, such as genital warts, hepatitis B or C, herpes, or HIV. Females with genital warts may get cervical cancer. You can get herpes and have repeated outbreaks of it throughout your lifetime, as it cannot be cured. If you get hepatitis B or C, you may get liver failure and need a liver transplant (organ replacement). You may also get liver cancer and die. There is no cure for HIV infection and it can lead to AIDS, which may be fatal. Ask your caregiver for more information about genital warts, herpes, hepatitis B and C, and HIV and AIDS.

What other things should I 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.

Where can I find more information? Contact any of the following:

• Division of STD Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
  1600 Clifton Rd.
  Atlanta, GA 30333
  Phone: 1-800-227-8922
  Phone: 1-800-232-4636
  Web Address: http://www.cdc.gov/std
  

• American Social Health Association (ASHA)
  P.O. Box 13827
  Research Triangle Park, NC 27709
  Web Address: http://www.ashastd.org
  

CARE AGREEMENT:

You have the right to help plan your care. To help with this plan, you must learn about STDs, how to prevent them, and how they are treated. You can then discuss treatment options with your caregivers. Work with them to decide what care will be used to treat and help you. You always have the right to refuse treatment.

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