Safe sex

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Primary syphilis

STDs and ecological niches

The female condom

The male condom

(Page 2)

Use condoms to avoid contact with semen, vaginal fluids, or blood. Both male and female condoms dramatically reduce the chance you will get or spread an STI. However, condoms must be used properly:

• Keep in mind that STIs can still be spread, even if you use a condom, because a condom does not cover surrounding skin areas. But a condom definitely reduces your risk.
• Lubricants may help reduce the chance a condom will break. Use only water-based lubricants, because oil-based or petroleum-type lubricants can cause latex to weaken and tear. Polyurethane condoms are less prone to breaking, but cost more than latex condoms. Using condoms with nonoxynol-9 (a spermicide) can help prevent pregnancy, but may increase the chance of HIV transmission because the spermicide can irritate the vaginal walls.
• The condom should be in place from the beginning to end of sexual activity and should be used every time you have sex.
• Use latex condoms for vaginal, anal, and oral intercourse.

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Here are additional safe sex steps:

• Be responsible. If you have an STI, like HIV or herpes, advise any prospective sexual partner. Allow him or her to decide what to do. If you mutually agree on engaging in sexual activity, use use latex or polyurethane condoms and other measures to protect the partner.
• If pregnant, take precautions. If you have an STI, learn about the risk to the infant before becoming pregnant. Ask your provider how to prevent the developing baby from becoming infected. HIV positive women should not breastfeed their infant.
• Know your partner. Before having sex, first establish a committed relationship that allows trust and open communication. You should be able to discuss sexual histories, any previous STIs or IV drug use. You should not feel coerced or forced into having sex.
• Stay sober. Alcohol and drugs impair your judgment, communication abilities, and ability to properly use condoms or lubricants.

In summary, safe sex requires prior planning and good communication between partners. Given that, couples can enjoy the pleasures of a sexual relationship while reducing the potential risks involved.

For information about preventing pregnancy, see birth control and family planning.

Review Date: 06/05/2010
Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of Medicine; Susan Storck, MD, FACOG, Chief, Eastside Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Group Health Cooperative of Puget Sound, Redmond, Washington; Clinical Teaching Faculty, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).