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Is It Sex? Is It Safe? [pamphlet]

Are we having sex? What sex is -and what isn't- is highly personal.


What's Your Definition?

Most people would agree that sexual intercourse -p***s in v****a- is sex. After that, things get cloudier.

Some people don't think oral sex is sex, strictly speaking. The same goes for a**l sex.

What about mutual masturbation? Kissing or touching all over? Some forms of sex don't even involve being with the other person: phone sex or internet sex, for example.


Why Does It Matter What You Call It?

- If you don't call what you're doing sex, you may think you're safe from STD's.
- You won't take steps to protect yourself.
- You'll increase your risk of getting an STD.

You ca be safer if you know which kinds of intimate contact put you most at risk for an STD.


Preventing STD's

Only 2 birth control methods -abstinence and condoms- can also prevent STD's.

- STD's can be passed in infected semen, blood or vaginal fluids. HIV, chlamydia, gonorrhea and Hepatitis B are passed this way.
- Some STD's are passed during genital skin-to-skin contact. Herpes, HPV and syphilis ca be passed in this way.
- Many different types of sexual activity put you at risk of STD's.
- STD's can be passed from a man to a woman, a woman to a man, a man to a man, or a woman to a woman.

But protecting yourself -and your partner- from STD's isn't hard. You can lower your risk.


Preventing Pregnancy

To prevent pregnancy, there's a wide range of reliable birth control methods to choose from.


Is It Safe?

Type of sexual contact: Vaginal intercourse.
Can I get pregnant?: Yes.
Can I get an STD?: Yes, any STD.
How can I protect myself?: Condom.

Type of sexual contact: a**l intercourse.
Can I get pregnant?: No.
Can I get an STD?: Yes, any STD.
How can I protect myself?: Condom.

Type of sexual contact: Oral sex.
Can I get pregnant?: No.
Can I get an STD?: Yes, most STD's (but not as likely).
How can I protect myself?: Condom, latex dam.

Type of sexual contact: Genital touching (skin-to-skin).
Can I get pregnant?: Rarely.*
Can I get an STD?: Yes - herpes, HPV, and syphilis (but not as common).
How can I protect myself?: Condom, latex dam.

Type of sexual contact: Kissing.
Can I get pregnant?: No.
Can I get an STD?: Yes.*
How can I protect myself?: Don't kiss when herpes coldsores are on mouth.

Type of sexual contact: Abstinence.***
Can I get pregnant?: No.
Can I get an STD?: No.
How can I protect myself?: ---

*: If precum enters the v****a.
**: If herpes virus is present on or around the mouth.
***: Abstinence means no sexual contact, including genital (skin-to-skin) touching.


The Basics

- Know the risks. Some activities are riskier than others. Do you know the most common STD's and how they're passed? What level of risk are you willing to take?

- Know the score. Many STD's don't have symptoms. This means you can't tell by looking whether someone has an STD. The person with the STD may not even know he or she has it.

- Know your partner. Has a potential partner had unprotected sex in the past? Have you? How will you protect yourselves? Are you and your partner willing to be tested for HIV and other STD's?

- Know your options. Will you abstain from any kind of sexual activity? Will you only have sex with one uninfected partner who oly has sex with you? Will you use condoms or another barrier every time?

Are you willing to put off having sex until you and your partner are clear and in agreement about STD risks?


What About Condoms?

Condoms are easy to buy, easy to use, and they work. Used correctly and consistently, condoms are highly effective at preventing pregnancy and most STD's.*

Tips from people who use condoms:







*: If the STD is on the skin outside the area covered by a condom, it can still be passed between partners. But most STD's can be prevented by using condoms.


Sex Talk

Some people leave decisions about sex -what it means to them; whether, when and how to have it; whom to have it with- to fate. It seems easier to have sex than to talk about it.

Sex without communication is an idea that's out of date. Exploring some basic questions together builds closeness. Talking about sex can make it better and safer.

Some things to talk about together:

- What does sex mean to you? What are your limits?
- Has either of you ever had sex without using a condom?
- How will you protect yourselves from an STD? From pregnancy?
- How do you feel about having other partners?


Getting Tested

A health care provider can help you decide your STD risk based on your sexual history. You and a partner can both be tested for specific STD's before you have sex.


Some Common STD's [with links added by Nikolita]

- Chlamydia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chlamydia_infection
- Gonorrhea: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gonorrhea
- Hepatitis B: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hepatitis_B
- Herpes: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herpes
- HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus): http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HIV
- HPV (Human Papilloma Virus): http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HPV
- NGU (Nongonococcal Urethris): http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NGU
- Syphilis: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Syphilis
- "Trich" (Trichomoniasis): http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trich


~

The information in this pamphlet is from ETR Associates, copyright 2004. I do not claim to own any of the information in this pamphlet.

Making Sex Safer [pamphlet]


Physical intimacy can be a warm, caring, exciting experience. It also requires thought, planning, and responsibility. Choosing to be sexually active requires that we take precautions to protect ourselves and our partners from sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). It is important to make sexual intimacy as enjoyable and safe as possible.


What is Safer Sex?

Safer sex doesn't mean eliminating sex from your life. It does mean being smart and staying healthy. It means self-respect and respect for your partner - talking about sex, knowing how to protect yourself, and taking precautions every time. Safer sex means enjoying sex without giving or getting sexually transmitted diseases.


What Are Sexually Transmitted Diseases?

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are infections you can transmit or receive during sexual contact. There are many: chlamydia, gonorrhea, hepatities B, syphilis, herpes, human papillomavirus (which includes genital warts), and HIV (the virus that causes AIDS) are just a few. Also, some STDs show few or no symptoms; many people are infected and spreac the microorganisms without knowing it.

Hepatitis B is preventable by vaccination. There is effective medical treatment for many other STDs, like chlamydia and gonorrhea. There is only limited therapy (treatment, but not always a cure) for viral STDs like genital warts, herpes, and HIV.


How Do I Protect Myself?

STDs are spread by infectious microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites, moving from one person to another. Sexually, those microorganisms are transmitted through certain body fluids like blood, semen, and pre-ejaculatory fluid, and vaginal and cervical secretions. Some sexually-related microorganisms (such as hepatitis B) can be transmitted in saliva, and a few (such a genital warts and herpes) are spread by direct skin-to-skin contact.

Making sexual intimacy as enjoyable and safe as possible means knowing what kinds of intimate contact transmit various STDs. Protecting yourself choosing only safer sex practices, using protection against STDs correctly and consistently, or not having sex.

You don't have to have sex with a lot of people to get STDs. Your chances of acquiring STDs increases when you have unprotected sex, no matter how many partners you have. Always take precautions whenever you have sex.

Communicating with your partner about your concerns, fears, desires, and choices is essential to making sex safer. Don't be afraid to ask about your partner's health and sexual history. Honesty on your part communicates that you care and promotes honesty from your partner, you can both then make informed decisions. But remember - it's up to you to protect yourself in every sexual relationship. Don't depend exclusively on talking to protect yourself from STDs. Your partner may not realize -or reveal- things that could put you at risk for STDs.

Together, decide on what you both feel comfortable doing sexually, and what precautions you will take. It's ok if you feel uncomfortable talking about sex. Sharing those feelings with your partner helps. Talking about sex can be easier if you're able to talk about other personal and emotional issues. Being intimate is much more than a sexual act. If discussions about relationships, emotions or sex are difficult for you, seek counselling from capable professionals who can help you learn some important skills in communication.


What Can We Do Safely?

The "Spectrum of Risk" chart in this brochure shows the risk of transmitting STDs by various sexual practices. Note that activites that involve direct exposure to a partner's semen and pre-ejaculatory fluids, vaginal and cervical secretions, and blood are risky. Some practices are more likely to transmit certain STDs. For example, fantasy, stroking, touching and massage pose little or no risk. Hepatitis B and herpes, unlike most STDs, can be transmitted by kissing. Oral sex can transmit many microorganisms, including HIV, from a man to a woman or a woman to a man [Nikolita edit: or a woman to a woman, or a man to a man]. a**l intercourse is risky, especially to the receptive sexual partner.


The Spectrum of Risk

Sexual behaviors have different levels of risk for different STD's; see the ACHA brochure Making Sex Safer for more information.

Using condoms lowers the risk of transmitting STD's -including HIV- by a**l, oral, or vaginal intercourse. The following chart [not scanned here, sorry ~ Nikolita] depicts risk, assuming no protection is used for these behaviors.

No Risk: Talking, fantasy, masturbation, touching, and massage.
Low Risk: Intimate kissing, and casual kissing.
Between Low and High Risk: Oral-a**l contact, oral sex on a woman, oral sex on a man without ejaculation, oral sex on a man with ejaculation.
High Risk: Receptive a**l intercourse, receptive vaginal intercourse, insertive a**l intercourse, and insertive vaginal intercourse.


Harmful to Your Judgement

- Alcohol
- Amphetamines (speed, crystal meth, ectasy)
- Amyl Nitrate (poppers)
- Marijuana
- Cocaine, crack
- LSD
- GHB
- Rohypnol ("roofies")
- Ketamine ("special K")


Where Can I Get Help?

Safer sex can greatly reduce your chances of getting an STD, but sometimes infections may still occur. If you think you have been exposed to an STD, it is important to be examined, tested, and treated as soon as possible. Even if you have no symptoms now, an STD could cause serious health risks and problems for you and your partner. People sometimes feel ashamed or guilty about STDs. Don't let your feelings stop you from getting help, or from letting your partner(s) get help. Medical treatment and information (often free, or at low cost) is available from:

- College/university health centers
- Public health departments or community STD clinics
- Private physicians


What Precautions Should I Take?

- Learn to communicate directly with your sexual partner(s).

- Never mix drugs ro alcohol with sexual activity; use humour and honesty instead.

- Choose lower-risk sexual activities (see "Spectrum of Risk" chart).

- Learn about tooks to protect yourself (see section about "Condoms", "Latex Dams", and "Lubricants".

- Remember that many birth control methods do NOT protect you against STDs. Using condoms along with other birth control methods will not only reduce the risk of STDs, but will also better protect against pregnancy.


Lubricants

Lubricants are imporant because they reduce the chance that condoms will break during vaginal or a**l intercourse. They may also increase pleasure and reduce discomfort. There are several water-based lubricants available in a variety of flavours and consistencies that are specifically made for use with latex condoms. Remember: use only water-based lubricants. Oil-based lubricants can cause latex condoms to weaken and break, so avoid any oil-or-petroleum-based lubricant, lotion, or cream (such as petroleum jelly, hand and body moisturizers, cooking oils, shortening, or baby oil).


Condoms

Although condoms do not provide 100% protection against transmitting or acquiring STDs, they are highly effective ID they are used properly each time you have sexual intercourse.

Condoms are not all the same. There are many brands, styles, colours, flavours, and lubrication options to consider. Only latex condoms, labeled for STD protection, should be used, unless you or your partner is allergic to latex. In that case, use a polyurethane condom. Natural skin or animal membrane condoms are not effective. In addition, novelty condoms, such as glow-in-the-dark condoms, are not intended for disease prevention. Some latex condoms perform better than others. Be a cautious and education consumer. Try different brands and styles to decide which ones you prefer. Remember:

1) Use a reservoid-tip condom, or leave 1/2" at the tip to collect the semen. Put a drop of water-based lubricant inside the tip of the condom to increase pleasure. Do not use oil-based lubricants as they can damage latex condoms.

2) Put the condom on the erect p***s before the first contact of p***s to v****a, a**s, or mouth. If the p***s is uncircumcised, pull back the foreskin before rolling the condom over the erect p***s. If you have never used a condom before, you may want to experiment or get used to the feel before using a condom with a partner.

3) Unroll the condom slowly and carefully all the way down the shaft of the p***s, smoothing out air bubbles. Have a spare condom available in case you find a tear or hole in the one you are using.

4) Use only water-based lubricants. A seperate application of lubricant inside the v****a or a**s before intercourse in addition to lubrication applied to the outside of a condom reduces the chance of condom breakage.

5) After ejaculation, carefully withdraw the p***s while it is still erect, holding onto the base of the condom to prevent slipping. Be careful not to spill the semen.

6) Dispose of the used condom. NEVER re-use condoms!


Latex Dams

Latex dams are small pieces of latex rubber sheets that may provide protection against transmission of STDs during cunnilingus (oral-vaginal contact) or rimming (oral-a**s contact). They are used as a barrier between the body of one partner and the mouth of the other. If you use a latex dam, carefully hold it in place and dispose of each sheet after use. If you don't have a latex dam, use a condom cut lengthwise or plastic wrap.


What Are the Common STDs?

Any of these STDs can be transmitted through sexual contact (including vaginal and a**l intercourse or oral sex) with an infected partner who may or may not have symptoms.

STD: Chlamydia.
What Are the Signs?: Men: burning on urination and discharge from p***s; Women: Often no symptoms until PID* begins. Women who are symptomatic may experience dysuria, discharge, pain with intercourse, and abdominal pain. Both men and women often may have no symptoms but are still infected and able to transmit chlamydia.
How is it Treated?: Infected persons and their sexual partners must be tested and/or treated with antibiotics. Curable.
Possible Problems?: PID* and infertility in women, including an increased risk of ectopic (tubal) regnancy. In men, infection of the prostate and epididymis.

STD: HPV (Human Papillomavirus - includes genital warts).
What Are the Signs?: Warts appear as painless growths around the genitals in men and women. It could be as long as 18 months before visible warts appear. Some types of warts are not visible to the naked eye. People who are infected but who don't have symptoms can still transmit the virus.
How is it Treated?: For warts:cryotherapy, laser, or chemical treatment. For cervical changes: cryotherapy or laser. Women must have regular follow-up Pap smears to check for recurrances.
Possible Problems?: Precancerous cell changes of the p***s, a**s, v****a and especially the cervix. Recurrances are possible.

STD: Herpes.
What Are the Signs?: Sores around the mouth (cold sores), genitals, or a**s, often with small painful blisters. Some may be hidden or overlooked. Oral-genital sex when your partner has a coldsore may cause genital herpes. Some people also have flulike symptoms. Some peopl have no symptoms but are still infected and able to transmit the virus.
How is it Treated?: With most initial attacks, the process is too far along to allow for benefit from antiviral drugs. Topical anesthetic powder or gel is helpful. Antiviral drugs are effective if taken very early in an attack or continuously in a powerful regimen. Treatable but not curable.
Possible Problems?: Recurrent painful attacks, chronic pain, urethal strictures. If transmission occurs to an infant at delivery, several neurological damage or death may occur.

STD: Hepatitis B.
What Are the Signs?: Fatigue, nausea, and jaundice with dark urine; some people, however, experience no symptoms, or only mild ones.
How is it Treated?: Diagnosis requires lab tests. Treatment directed at reliving symtoms and maintaining nutrition. Completely preventable by hepatitis B vaccine.
Possible Problems?: Some people become chronic hepatitis B carriers whether or not they continue to show symptoms of hepatitis B infection. In some cases, scarring of the liver, liver cancer, or rarely, death, may occur.

STD: Gonorrhea.
What Are the Signs?: Men: Burning on urination and discharge from p***s, sometimes sore throat or diarrhea; Women: Often no symtoms until PID* begins. Some people have no symptoms but are still infected and able to transmit the gonorrhea bacteria, especially when gonorrhea occurs in the throat or rectum.
How is it Treated?: Infected persons and their sexual partners must be tested and treated with antibiotics. Curable.
Possible Problems?: In women, PID* and fertility problems, including an increased risk of ectopic (tubal) pregnancy. In men, infection of the prostate or epididymis. In both, infection of the joints, skin, and bloodstream.

STD: Syphilis.
What Are the Signs?: Painless ulcer (chancre) at point of contact, usually penile shaft, around vaginal opening, or a**s. Secondary stage may include a rash, swollen lymph nodes.
How is it Treated?: Infected persons and their sexual partners must be tested and treated with antibiotics. Curable without long-term consequences only if treated early.
Possible Problems?: If untreated, may affect brain, heart, pregnancies, or can even be fatal.

STD: HIV/AIDS (Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome).
What Are the Signs?: Most people infected with HIV may show no symptoms for many years but are still able to transmit HIV. See ACHA's brochure, HIV Infection and Aids: What Everyone Should Know, for more information.
How is it Treated?: Medications may slow down the course of HIV infection and prevent many complications. Not curable.
Possible Problems?: HIV causes a spectrum of conditions from mild symptoms to a severe immune deficiency state (AIDS); people with AIDS may experience life-threatening infections, cancers, and neurological problems.


* Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) is an infectino of the fallopian tubes. Every episode of PID increases a woman's risk of infertility.


~

The information in this pamphlet is from the American College Health Association. I do not claim to own any of the information posted here.

Reserved.