Ways to Express Love Without Sex
There are millions of nonsexual ways to show someone you like, even love, them. These ways include everything from kissing and hugging to touching and petting each other. Just remember that if you're not careful these activities can lead to sex. Plan beforehand just how far you want to go, and stick to your limits. It can be difficult to say NO and mean it when things get hot and heavy.

It's About Respect for You and Your Partner
When it comes to sexual health, it's important to know the facts. We want to give you the best information to help you make the best and wisest choices. Sometimes people have sex before they have a chance to think. If you are having sex, or you're thinking about it, here are some things to help prevent sexually transmitted infections and/or pregnancy.

• Talk to your partner about using latex condoms and why it is important.
• Tell your partner at a time when you're both listening and concentrating on what's being said.
• Choose this time carefully; don't let a romantic moment interrupt your talk.
• Always have a latex condom close by. Don't count on your partner to be prepared.

Condoms
Latex condoms work really well in stopping most STIs from being passed from an infected partner to another when they are used consistently and correctly every time a person has oral, vaginal or anal sex. Consistently and correctly means that a person makes sure they use a latex condom every time they have oral, vaginal or anal sex and put it on and use it the right way.

Some people are allergic to latex condoms, so there are polyurethane (plastic) condoms that also protect against STIs. Lambskin or animal-skin condoms do not protect against STIs and should not be used.

Click here to learn more about both male and female condoms, including dos and don't about condom use and the top 10 reasons to use a latex condom.




Dental Dams (for females)
A “dam” is a moisture barrier made out of latex or polyurethane. Dentists use a “dam” when they work on someone's mouth (so that blood won't splash).  There is one company that makes dams specifically for use during oral sex.  People can use a dental dam during oral sex to prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV. A dam is a square piece of latex that can be placed over someone's anus (butt hole) or vagina. With a dam, germs cannot get into someone's mouth from blood or sexual fluids found in the anus or vagina.

How to Use a Dental Dam

1. Like condoms, dams should be handled with care. Check to make sure that the dam does not have holes in it.  To do this you can hold it up to the light or see whether water will pass through.

2. If there is talc (powder) on the dam, rinse it off with water. Talc is usually applied during the manufacturing process, and can irritate the skin.

3. You can use some water-based lubricant on the vagina or anus before putting the dam down.  Using a lubricant can increase the sensation for the person receiving oral sex and it can help hold the dental dam in place. Do not use oil-based products such as lotion or baby oil. Oil can weaken the latex.

4. Holding the dental dam firmly with both hands, spread the dam over the vagina or anus (butt hole).

5. Be sure to keep one side toward you and one side toward your partner. Don't forget which side is which.

6. Never use the same dental dam more than once. When finished, throw the dam away.

Dental dams are extremely effective in preventing sexually transmitted infections.  Dental dams can be found in various colors and flavors. 

If you don’t have a dam to use during oral sex, you could cut a condom lengthwise and place it flat across the vagina or butt hole.  Even household plastic wrap [like Saran Wrap] can be used.

Before getting a tattoo or piercing, check out the place…ask some questions. 

• Is the place clean & professional looking?

• Does the artist or piercer wash his/her hands and wear latex gloves when tattooing or body piercing?

• Does the artist or piercer use sterile, disposable needles that he/she opens in front of the customers?

• Does the artist or piercer throw away ink caps, razors and stencils after each use?

• Does the artist or piercer use an autoclave (an intense heating process) to sterilize (clean) equipment? If they do, ask if the autoclave gets inspected monthly?

• Does the artist or piercer sterilize the bottles used for color and/or the work area with bleach or other approved disinfectants?

• Does the artist or piercer uses an ultrasonic tank to rinse the tube and needle set from the tattoo machines?