Am I Ready for Safer Sex?

What About Safer Sex and Drugs and Alcohol?

Alcohol and other drugs can make you forget you promised yourself to have safer sex. The use of too much alcohol or any amount of drugs often leads to high-risk sex.

How Does Safer Sex Make Sex Feel Better?

Worrying about sexually transmitted infections can make sex less satisfying. Safer sex can reduce that worry. Practicing safer sex can also help you and your partner

• add variety to sexual pleasure
• make sex play last longer by postponing orgasms
• increase intimacy and trust
• strengthen relationships
• improve communication — verbal and nonverbal

The bottom line is that safer sex can be fun. It is a great way to explore who we are sexually, express our feelings, bond with others, and have a good time. Practicing safer sex can enhance our pleasure — and who doesn't want more pleasure?

Am I Ready for Safer Sex?

Which of the following statements are true for you?

	True	False
I am ready to let my partner know where and how I like to be touched.	[ ]	[ ]
I am ready to buy condoms, even if it's embarrassing.	[ ]	[ ]
If I decide I want to use sex toys, I'm ready to keep them clean.	[ ]	[ ]
I am ready to let my partner know my limits when it comes to taking risks.	[ ]	[ ]
I am ready to say no to sex when I don't want to have it.	[ ]	[ ]
I am ready to have regular physical exams and tests for sexually transmitted infections.	[ ]	[ ]
I am ready to talk with my health care provider about my sex life.	[ ]	[ ]
I am ready to enjoy sex without having to get high.	[ ]	[ ]

If you answered "True" to more than half of these questions, you are well on your way to being ready for safer sex. Congratulations!

How Do Condoms Make Sex Safer?

Condoms work by forming a barrier between the penis and anus, vagina, or mouth. The barrier keeps one partner's fluids from getting into or on the other. And condoms reduce the amount of skin-to-skin contact. There are two main kinds of condoms — those that go on the penis, and those that go into the vagina or anus.

Latex condoms are great safer sex tools for anal, vaginal, or oral sex. They’re easy to get at a pharmacy, grocery store, or at a Planned Parenthood health center. They’re cheap. And they come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and textures. You can learn how to put on a condom by watching this brief video.