Safe sex refers to the precautions we take in order not to give orreceive sexually transmitted diseases. In addition to AIDS, the mostfeared STD, there are a number of other viruses and infections that canbe passed between partners. Hepatitis, herpes, genital warts,chlamydia, syphilis, and gonorrhea are the most common. The risks ofthese diseases range from pain to infertility to death, but throughcertain safe sex practices you can reduce or eliminate the risk oftransmission.

The key to safe sex is to prevent bodily fluids, which can carryviruses or bacteria, from being transmitted between partners. Blood,semen, and vaginal juices are all fluids that can transmit STDS. Dryhumping and mutual masturbation do not involve the exchange of bodilyfluids and are no-risk activities. If you choose to let the juices flowhowever, you?ll want to use a barrier. Condoms, dental dams, and glovesare all designed to keep bodily fluids from being passed betweenpartners. Condoms are typically used on a penis, but there is alsofemale condom on the market. Most condoms are made of latex, butpolyurethane is a newer material that appeals to folks that have latexsensitivity. Specially-designed condoms with roomier tips are designedto maximize sensation. Dental dams, made of latex, are used during oralsex, and latex gloves are used when you don?t want cuts from yourfingers to come into contact with your partner?s bodily fluids.

An important goal of safe sex is to decide what risk feels ok to youand then to communicate that to your partner. There are some excellentrisk assessment charts available online today. As purveyors of sex toyswe?d also like to point out that sex toy play is a low-risk activity.As long as you keep your toys separate (don?t share), or use condoms ontoys that will be shared, you?re engaging in very safe sex!