Safer Sex

Sex is considered safe if both you and your partner: are not infected, have never shot drugs, and have never had sex with anyone else. If you are sexually active, you and your partners can take steps to make your sex safer. Safer sex lowers your risk of sexually-transmitted diseases and unintended pregnancy.

What You Should Do

There are several ways you and your partners can practice safer sex. Remember, although condoms can help reduce your exposure to sexually-transmitted diseases, they are not foolproof. You may also choose to:

• Not have sex. Abstinence is the only sure way to avoid getting an STD.
• Have sex only with one uninfected person. If you're not in a monogamous relationship, be sure to: always use latex condoms, limit the number of partners you have, and have regular exams.
• Speak with your healthcare provider or a family planning agency about your birth control options to decide what methods may be best for you. (more)

What We Do

• Support Title X Family Planning Agencies in the state to provide birth control counseling and education, pregnancy and HIV testing, sexually-transmitted disease diagnosis and treatment, and other services. (more)