This information is provided in order to encourage responsible choices in developing healthy relationships and decreasing sexual health risks. Safe sex can mean lots of things including prevention of STI's, getting tested, talking with your partner about sex, and using contraception.
With respect to STI prevention, safe sex means making sure you don't get anyone else's blood, semen, vaginal fluids, or breast milk in your body -- and it means protecting your partners too! Abstinence is the only foolproof method of protection. Condoms, latex surgical gloves, and dental dams are the only ways to protect yourself and your partner from STI's and HIV when engaging in sexual activity. It's extremely important to use condoms and other methods of protection correctly every time you have sex. Getting tested before initiating sexual activity with a partner is also important so that you are both aware of each others status. Contraception use is essential in order to decrease unwanted pregnancy.
Some methods of contraception only prevent pregnancy, others protect against both pregnancy and STI's, while even others only prevent STI transmission. There’s a lot of information that you should know if you are sexually active so that you can make healthy choices!
Condom 101 brochure
Contraception 101 brochure
Testing 101
Abstinence
Additional Resources
There are two methods of testing for STI/STD's.
Physical exams can detect these STI's:
Blood, urine, or cell samples can detect these STI's:
If you are sexually active, it’s important to get tested even if you are in a committed relationship. It is important to note that getting tested regularly IS NOT a substitute for condom usage.
Here are some local places where you can get tested.
Know your status! Know your partner’s status! Get tested!!
100% abstinence from sexual contact with another person is the only foolproof method to preventing pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. The sites listed below are resources that can be useful for students who want to learn more about abstinence or who want to be supported in their decision to abstain.
