2005-05-30 - 2:32 p.m.

SAFE SEX

Safe sex means sexual activities that do not involve sharing of body fluids. Body fluids include saliva, urine, blood, vaginal fluids and semen. These fluids can contain germs that spread many infections and diseases to another person during sexual contact. These are called sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). You may get HIV (AIDS virus), herpes, lice, scabies, and genital warts by having unsafe sex. Other STDs that are spread by having unsafe sex are gonorrhea (gone-uh-ree-uh), chlamydia, syphilis, yeast infections, and hepatitis B. Other illnesses, such as pelvic inflammatory disease, flu, and mononucleosis can also be spread by sexual contact.

STDs can be passed between a man and a woman, 2 men, or 2 women. A person infected with an STD can pass the infection to other people during sexual relations, even if he or she does not have any symptoms. Having safe sex may help keep you from getting or spreading a sexual infection. But, it does not mean you cannot get an infection. The only sure way to keep from getting a sexual infection is not to have sex. The safest kind of sex is between 2 people who only have sex with each other. Some of these infections may be cured while others cannot.

Do's and Don'ts:

Always have safe sex. Safe sex includes the following activities.

Dry kissing.

Massage and body-to-body rubbing.

Masturbation (mas-ter-ba-shun).

Oral sex with the use of a condom.

Use of sex toys, (such as vibrators and dildos) as long as they are not shared between partners.

Vaginal or sex with the use of a condom (rubber).

The following things are not safe.

Mouth-to-mouth kissing (French kissing).

Sharing dildos, vibrators, and other sex toys between partners.

Fisting.

Using saliva (spit) as a lubricant (wetting lotion).

Vaginal or anal (rear end) sex without the use of a condom (rubber).

Oral sex without the use of a condom or dam

Do not have sex without a condom. Use a latex condom every time you have oral (mouth), vaginal, or anal (rear end) sex. While birth control pills, diaphragms (di-uh-frams), sponges, cervical caps or foams may stop pregnancy, they do not stop diseases. Condoms cannot work if you do not use them correctly.

Never use a condom made from animal skin (lamb skin) because germs can get through them. Use a sperm-killing gel that contains a chemical called nonoxynol-9 (non-oks-uh-null-9). It may also kill the AIDS virus. Buy condoms that have nonoxynol-9 to keep from getting an infection or getting a woman pregnant.

Never use a condom more than one time.

Use lotions that are made with water when you use a condom. These include K-Y Jelly™, Foreplay™, and Wet™. Never use oils like Vaseline, Crisco, baby oil, or hand lotion. They could cause the condom to break.

If you have oral sex with a man, it is best to use a dry condom. If you have oral sex with a woman, it is best to use a dental dam (latex square) or a non-microwavable food wrap as a barrier.

If you have oral sex without a condom, do not first brush or floss your teeth. 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 come (ejaculate) in your mouth.

Get tested if you think or know you had contact with someone who has an STD. See a caregiver if you have an STD because early treatment may help.

CARE AGREEMENT:

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

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