When it comes to important decisions, it's important to know the facts especially about sex. 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 about all the risks and what can happen to them. Not having sex and saying "no" may take courage. If you don't feel ready or comfortable enough to have sex, then maybe the best choice is to wait. If you are having sex, or you're thinking about it, here are some things to help prevent sexually transmitted diseases and/or pregnancy.

• Talk to your partner about using latex condoms and why it is important to you and your personal health.

• 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.

• Then, if you decide to have sex, make sure you both agree that using a latex condom is what you both want.

• Always have a latex condom close by. Don't count on your partner to be prepared.

Know the Facts. Know for Sure.
If you have had unprotected sex, you may have an STD and not know it. If your partner has had unprotected sex, your partner may have an STD and not know it. If you think you have an STD, there is something you can do about it. The only way to know for sure is to be tested.

Find out where to go in your area and learn more about STDs by calling the CDC National STD and AIDS Hotlines at 1-800-342-2437 or 1-800-227-8922. The hotlines are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For information in Spanish call 1-800-344-7432, 8:00 AM to 2:00 AM Eastern Time, seven days a week. For the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing call 1-800-243-7889, 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM Eastern Time, Monday through Friday.

STDs like chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis are curable. While not curable, diseases like HIV, herpes and hepatitis B are treatable. Genital warts and abnormal cell changes on the cervix caused by HPV are treatable. If left untreated, some STDs can lead to long-term consequences, like infertility or cancer.

Remember: Be prepared.

• Use a latex condom every time you have sex: vaginal, oral or anal.

• Carry a latex condom with you in case your partner forgets.

• If you don't have a latex condom, don't have sex.

• Don't use oil-based lotions, creams, baby oil or petroleum jelly with latex condoms. They'll break. Use water based lubricants instead.

• For extra protection against pregnancy, women can use spermicidal foam, gel, film sponge or suppositories in their vagina. Always use these things with latex condoms, not in place of them, that way you'll be protected against most STDs.

• If you or your partner has had another sex partner both of you should consider getting tested for STDs.

• There is not a test that will 100 percent guarantee that a person doesn't have, or ever will have, a sexually transmitted disease.

The more you know the better choices you will make about your life, your partner, whether to have sex, when to have sex and what kind of sex to have. If you become infected with an STD, you can have feelings of guilt, shame, anger, fear and panic. If you become infected, you may think your world has turned upside down. But remember, there is something you can do! Talk to someone; you can call the CDC STD and AIDS Hotlines for information. Get tested. Get treated. Protect yourself so it doesn't happen again.

CDC National STD and AIDS Hotlines	(800) 227-8922
Spanish Service	(800) 344-7432 (8am - 2am, 7 days a week)
TTY Service	(800) 243-7889 (10am - 10pm Monday - Friday)

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