Health risks associated with sex
As we enter the 21st century there are, unfortunately, various risks connected with having sex. The chief ones are:

unwanted pregnancy

venereal diseases (such as gonorrhoea and syphilis)

other sexually transmitted infections (such as herpes, urethritis, pubic lice, scabies and viral warts)

HIV - the virus which can cause AIDS

cancer of the cervix.

Back in the 1970s, many people, both straight and gay, enjoyed sex with a variety of partners assuming that there was very little danger. Unfortunately, this is no longer the case. It is only sensible to practise safe sex.

What is safe sex?
The only totally safe form of sex is masturbation. All sexual activity with a partner carries some risk, though the danger of infections is practically non-existent if the two partners are completely faithful to each other.

Petting with the hands is a relatively safe form of sex; it is much less risky than intercourse. However, if you are going to have sexual intercourse with someone who is not a regular, faithful partner, you should ALWAYS use a condom. This can be either a male condom or, (much less commonly), a female one. The condom should be worn THROUGHOUT the entire act of intercourse - putting it on when you are halfway through is simply asking for trouble.

Other 'barrier methods' of contraception, such as the diaphragm or cap, do offer some protection against the transmission of infection, but very little.

If you are only having oral sex, this carries rather less risk of transmitting sexual infection, but most certainly can happen. For this reason some people prefer to use either a condom (for fellatio) or a rubber barrier sheet, called a 'dam', if they are having cunnilingus.

One of the greatest risks to your health is having sex when you've drunk too much alcohol. Many people who normally practise safe sex have become pregnant or have contracted HIV or venereal diseases through having unprotected sex while drunk.

If in doubt as to whether it would be safe to have sex with someone - don't.

Good advice

Avoid casual sex.

If you don't want to have a baby, use contraception.

If you do have sex with someone who is not your regular, faithful partner - use a condom throughout.

Remember that alcohol can make us forget all we know about practising safer sex.

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