While we want our members
to have fun, we cannot over emphasise the importance of Safe Sex. Safe sex means
healthy sex - doing the things you enjoy, but without the risk. It means protecting
yourself and your partner (at home and away!) from an unintended pregnancy, from
HIV/AIDS and from other sexually transmitted infections. We strongly recommend
that you ALWAYS, ALWAYS, ALWAYS practice safe sex - this means always use a condom,
without exception. It can not only prevent unwanted pregnancy, but also protect
you (and your regular partner if you are in a relationship) from a whole range
of sexually transmitted diseases (STD's) including HIV/AIDS which can kill. No
one night of sex is worth risking your life for. Always use a condom. You'll have
more fun and feel more relaxed, before, during and after. There is a risk
of pregnancy if semen is in contact with the vagina, e.g. if you have unprotected
sex. Even if the male ejaculates outside the vagina, the risk is still there because
before ejaculation some semen might leak out. Safer sex involves yourself
and your partner getting pleasure in ways that won't put you at risk from STIs.
It also involves more non-penetrative sex - kissing, stroking and masturbating
are fun and safe where you don't transfer body fluids.
Sex
Toys
if you are using sex toys it's best not to share them.
If you are, then make sure they're washed properly after being used with one person,
before they're used on someone else. You can also use a new condom each time. Using
a condom
Always use a condom, even if you are using other forms
of contraception, such as the pill. This is known as "double dutch".
In the UK, make sure that your condoms have the British standards Kitemark or
European CE symbol. Elsewhere, make sure the condoms carry the approval symbol
of your government health authority. Also check that they have not passed their
expiry date. Know how to use condoms correctly, opening the packet carefully,
reading and following the instructions. You might want to practise on your own
so you're confident before you actually need to use one. It's a good idea to have
condoms handy even if you are just kissing, cuddling, stroking, massaging or masturbating
each other - just in case you decide to go further than you originally intended.
Experiment with flavoured condoms for oral sex. You can get them from drug-stores/chemists,
garages/service-stations, supermarkets and vending machines in some toilets. You
can also get free condoms from many family planning clinics. Anal
Sex
With anal sex the safest option for preventing STIs is to
use an extra strong condom with a water based lubricant to reduce the likelihood
of the condom tearing.
You dont know if you're
infected - neither does the other person
It can take as much
as 3 months after unprotected sex for a HIV infection to occur. Don't forget that
even if you've been 100% faithful to your partner before, you're still at risk
from unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections unless you use
a condom. Your partner may have an STI and not know it. Sometimes a carrier has
no visible signs, and its really not worth playing russian roulette with your
life - or your partners. Oral Sex
There
are two types of oral sex:
licking and sucking the penis (fellatio)
licking
and sucking the vagina (cunnilingus)
If you both want to, oral sex
can be a nice experience for you both.There is a risk of catching - or passing
on - sexually transmitted infections through oral sex, including HIV. Semen and
vaginal fluids can carry infections, which can come into contact with sores and
small cuts in the partner's mouth. These can be caused by brushing or flossing
teeth. There is a higher risk of HIV transmission during a female's period, as
her secretions can carry higher amounts of HIV. Barrier protection such
as condoms or dental dams will considerably reduce the risk for all infections.
Flavoured and non-lubricated condoms are available, which can be used in fellatio. Dental
dams are small latex squares that can be placed over the vagina to act as a barrier.
Non-microwaveable clingfilm can also be used in its place, or cut a condom down
one side and hold it against the entire genital area. Whatever barrier you use,
only one side should come into contact with the genitals, and another with the
partner's mouth. Don't use a barrier on more than one person or transfer it from
anus to vagina. If you are giving fellatio, and you decide not to use a
condom, a sensible precaution is to not brush your teeth immediately prior to
oral sex, as brushing can damage gums allowing easier access for infections. Chew
a mint gum instead if you want to freshen your breath. | 
