Safe Sex Series: Getting Tested

One campaign I think is so great for sex, is the GYT MTV campaign.
When they say GYT, they don't just mean get yourself tested, but also, get yourself talking.

Communication is key in being safe. You need to be honest with your partner and also your doctor.

Getting tested is the first step, but it's not the only step.

Before Getting Tested Be completely open with your doctor.
You need to let him/her know:
1. How many partners you've had.
2. If they've had other partners
3. What forms of protection you've used (and they've used)
4. What kinds of sex you have had: Some tests are swabs and physical exams and they need to know what needs to be looked at!
5. Don't be afraid to give details; it will only help assure you.

Getting Tested
1. Cooperate
2. If you want something tested that they do not mention, ask.
3. Tell your partner to get tested as well!

Post-Testing
1. Talk to your doctor
2. Ask Questions
3. Have follow-ups
4. Get Tested if you have unprotected sex

Remember
1. If you have an STD, get treated, and be honest with your partner.
2. Do not participate in risky sexual behavior
3. Get tested regularly- Being tested once, does not mean that the test was 100% accurate. Some STD strains do not show up in tests unless you are having a breakout.

1 in 2 sexually active young people will get an STD by 25---- most won't know it.

Safe Sex Series: Protection Part 2

So now you have the down and dirty to putting on a condom.

Part 2 on Protection is making sure the condom is effective.

Putting on the condom properly is important, but without these other tips, it will not keep you safe.

Making sure the condom fits: The condom needs to cover the entire penis and must fit snug. Too tight= breakage and too loose = falling off.

So, 1/2 an inch needs to be left at the top to collect the ejaculate.
Remember, the condom should be snug and comfy. Think skinny jeans!
If the condom isn't long enough to cover the entire shaft, he needs a bigger size.

It may seem picky, but I'm all for being tedious if it prevents STD's and pregnancy!

Location of condoms: Don't rely on the guy to have one. Be sure to have your own stash for a number of reasons.
-He may not have one and insist on not using protection
-He may not have a good condom.

What do I mean by a good condom?
1.Always check the expiration date! Sometimes people will eat food a day or two after the expiration date (ick!). Don't use this rule with condoms. Never use one if it's expired.
2. Make sure it is stored in a dry and cool place.
3. If the package looks torn or damaged, get rid of it.
Remember, when it doubt, throw it out!
4. Do not use condoms that are sticky or discolored.

Places where you should note store a condom:
1. In a wallet. While it's important to keep condoms handy, this convenience isn't safe.
2. On a windowsill
3. In your car, especially the glove compartment. Constant temperature changes (particularly heat from the car) can affect the condom.

Good places for condoms:
1. Uncluttered drawers
2. In a protective case in your purse
3. In a travel bag.
4. In the original packaging (sounds like common sense, but just in case!)

Also, always have a few handy. Don't worry, carrying a bunch of condoms is not skanky, it's safe.

Safe Sex Series: Protection

Raincoat. Rubber. Glove. Condom.

However you wanna say it, anyone who is sexually active should know a thing or two (and hopefully more) about condoms.
This includes women, after call, can we really rely on men for this sort of thing?

So first post of what I dubbed the "Safe Sex Series": Protection


Condoms

Condoms are not for men. If he doesn't want to wear one, the female condom is also an option. It's all about personal preference.

Here are two quick videos to demonstrate putting on a male and female condom:





This video is interesting because it talks about finding the right size condom:






..and, just for fun: