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Why is practicing safe sex so important?

Sexually transmitted disease more commonly known as STD's, are infections that pass from one person to another during sexual activity - this can be vaginal, oral and anal. Whilst some STD are easily treated there are many that still have no cure, and it is these incurable STD's that tend to be the most common and long lasting. Some, such as HIV and hepatitis B, have serious health implication.

It is important to note that sometimes a person can have an STD and not show any symptoms. And in many cases; may even be unaware that they are infected and thus unknowingly pass the infection onto others.

How can I play it safe?

The only way to be 100% certain never to contract an STD is to not have sex in the first place, not even once! Therefore every time you do have sex you need to reduce the risk of contracting or passing on (and remember you may not know you have an STD) the infection to others. There are a number of different ways you can achieve this, and depending on your situation, what you are doing during sex will depend on the best possible solution.

Put simply safe sex means not allowing your partner's body fluids (blood, semen, vaginal fluids) into your body or vice versa. It can also mean avoiding or covering up parts on the body that may be infected (e.g. herpes sores or warts).

It is possible not to transfer any body fluids with some forms of sex such as massage and masturbation.

Oral sex carries a low risk of transmitting most but not all STD's. To reduce the risk of contracting or passing on an STD whilst performing oral sex; use a condom, avoid performing oral sex if you have mouth ulcers, or a break out of cold sores.

Regular STD checks are important for both you and your sex partners. They let you know if you have an STD allowing you to seek further medical advice and insuring you know to take the right precautions to ensure that you don't pass on the infection to others.

A practical way to reduce the likelihood of you contracting an STD is to reduce the number of people you have sex with. Wear a condom every time you have sex. They are easy to use, readily available and with the new Ondomusic scented condoms, condom wearing doesn't have to be boring.

Wearing a condom also has the added bonus of helping to prevent unwanted pregnancies.

Lubricated Latex Condom

Note on Use

1. Do not use oil-based lubricants with the latex condoms.
2. Non-vaginal use of condoms may increase the risk of slipping and condom damage.
3. No methods of contraception can provide 100% protection against pregnancy, HIV and other sexually transmitted disease (STD's). However, when used properly latex condoms will help to reduce the risk of pregnancy, HIV / AIDS and other STD's.
4. This product contains natural rubber latex which may cause allergic relations.
5. Store condoms in CD case, in cool dry place away from direct sun light.

Instruction on Use >

	Always put condoms on an ERECT penis before any contact is made with your partner. Open the condom foil with care making sure not to tear the condom with you’re your fingernails, jewellery etc. Do not unroll the condom before putting it on.
	Place the condom on the end of the ERECT penis. Be sure that the roll is on the outside. Start with a new condom if the condom is initially placed on the penis backwards.
	With one hand, pinch the tip of the condom to squeeze out any air, and with the other hand roll the condom down the full length of the penis.
	Check to make sure the condom is not torn or broken. During sex, if the condom brakes, splits or comes off, immediately withdraw the penis and replace the condom with a new one before continuing.
	Once ejaculation has taken place, hold the condom at the base of the penis and withdraw the penis carefully before it gets soft.
	Dispose of the used condom hygienically. Wrap the condom in a tissue and place it in a bin (do not flush it down the toilet). CONDOMS ARE FOR SINGLE USE ONLY – DO NOT REUSE A USED CONDOM!