Sexual Health

STIs and unintended pregnancies affect both partners, not just one person. If you feel uncomfortable discussing sex and birth control with your partner then you shouldn't be having sex. Be straight forward and talk about sex before it happens so that you both know what the other one expects.

Using condoms will help reduce your risk of contracting (or passing on) an STI or becoming pregnant. Condoms must be used correctly and consistently in order for them to be effective. Condoms are less effective in preventing diseases such as herpes and HPV, but they do reduce the risk of transmission. Condom use is essential, especially in relationships that are not monogamous.

To help prevent both pregnancy and STIs you should correctly and consistently use a birth control method like the Pill, contraceptive injection or diaphragm (for pregnancy prevention) and a condom (to prevent STIs). If your partner says no to contraceptives that may prevent STIs, like condoms, it's probably time to rethink your relationship. Nothing is worth the potential lifetime consequences of a few minutes of unprotected fun.

Don’t be afraid to talk to your partner about his/her and your sexual health. If you want to know how many partners they have had, whether or not your partner has been tested, and what your partner wants to do to prevent STD transmission then ask! An open dialogue is in your best interest.

A lot of STIs don’t show symptoms. You will not be able to tell by looking at your partner if he/she has an STI. Keep in mind that anybody can contract an STI, so judging your partners on their looks, background, wealth, or group of friends will not tell you whether or not they have an infection that could potentially damage your health.

There is no defense for committing sexual assault. If there is any confusion as to whether or not your partner is consenting to sex then stop. Mixing sex and alcohol can lead to situations in which both parties are unable to make smart decisions for themselves. Click here to read about how men and women can avoid the consequences of date rape.

Or have sex out of fear—fear of hurting someone's feelings by saying no or fear of being the "only one" who isn't doing it. Everyone wants to fit in their social groups, but you should never compromise your values to be "part of the crowd." If you don't want to have sex, be honest, discuss the reasons behind your decision with your partner and stay true to you.

There is no imaginary "deadline," no ideal age, no perfect point in a relationship where sex has to happen. If your partner tells you that he or she is not ready to have sex, respect their decision, be supportive and discuss the reasons behind it. It is your choice and right to decide when and how you want to have sex.

Abstinence is actually the most effective way to protect against STIs and prevent pregnancy. But practicing abstinence doesn't mean you are prevented from having an intimate, physical relationship with someone. There are many other ways to be intimate and not have intercourse: however, you must be aware that alternatives, like oral sex, carry their own risks. Click here to read more about practicing abstinence and risks of oral sex.

Whether you are having sex or not, both men and women need to have regular check-ups to make sure they are sexually healthy. Women should have annual gynecological exams.