Practice safe sex to protect yourself from sexually transmitted infections or diseases (STIs or STDs), unintended pregnancies and spur of the moment decisions which could leave long-term regrets in their wake.

• Get Tested

Doing an STD test can take the worry and pressure off sexual activities by making sure that no sexually transmitted infections (STIs) exist in your system. For your own protection and peace of mind, it is wise to get tested for all the most prevalent STDs (like Chlamydia, Herpes, Genital Warts and Syphilis) early so you can treat them if necessary.

If you experience symptoms of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as sores or warts in your genital region, weird discharge from your penis, vagina, vulva or anus and itching, pain or irritation in those areas, it's wise to speak to your physician or nurse regarding getting tested for STDs. Since many STIs don't exhibit visible symptoms it's crucial that they get properly identified.

There are various measures you can take to make sex safer, including using barrier methods (like condoms), being open and honest about your health and STI status with sexual partners, getting vaccinated against HPV, Hepatitis A/B as well as HIV. You may also wish to discuss pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). For more information, read our all ages sex safety guide.

• Be Honest

Sexual honesty is an integral component of any successful relationship, and especially within the bedroom setting. Being open about what you want and don't want can help your partner understand you more fully while also helping prevent any miscommunication or misunderstandings from developing between the two of you. That means discussing sexual preferences and boundaries early on and disclosing any fears that arise from such conversations.

A survey discovered that most men and women felt discussing sexual needs is essential to having a satisfying sexual life. When discussing what you like or dislike in terms of intimacy, be sure to do it in a professional and respectful manner - e.g. "I don't feel comfortable" and "I don't enjoy that" can more effectively convey your message than outright telling your partner what's off limits than simply blurting it out at random during an encounter.

Additionally, it's essential to remember that any individual can choose not to engage in sexual activity at any time - even with enthusiastic consent given. If it becomes uncomfortable during sexual encounters it is acceptable for one party or both parties to discontinue and end things immediately to prevent complications from developing further.

• Use Condoms

Condoms are one of the best ways to prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as herpes, gonorrhea, and syphilis. Not only can they make sex more enjoyable between partners but they come in an assortment of textures and flavors so it should be easy to find something suitable. You can use them alone or in combination with another form of birth control such as hormonal pills or spermicide for double protection.

There are male condoms designed to fit over the penis and female ones made to go inside the vagina, both available with latex-free options made of polyurethane or polyisoprene as well as lambskin that may be more sensitive than plastic or latex condoms. When selecting your ideal option, always remember to check its expiration date, release any air bubbles trapped within it, release air before placing on, release air after donning so as not to rupture open, use only water-based lubricants which won't damage your chosen condom.

• Don’t Do It While You’re Drunk

Drinking before sexual activity is fine, but it is always preferable to forgo drinking altogether when engaging in sexual activity. Being drunk can lead to forgetting safer sex rules and making decisions that increase infection or pregnancy risk, making communication with partners harder as boundaries become unclear or non-consensual sex occurs or partners are taken advantage of.

If someone is too drunk or high, they cannot give clear consent for sexual activity to occur - this constitutes sexual assault and is illegal.

Before beginning sexual activities with any new partner, it's essential to have an honest dialogue about both parties' sexual histories and desires from one another. Furthermore, discussing STIs, protection and testing together may also open up important conversations - although difficult ones - about protection, STIs, testing together etc. This dialogue may seem unpleasant at first but it will ultimately prevent heat-of-moment decisions that you later come to regret; additionally it helps build trust and intimacy within relationships.

• Don’t Do It During Pregnancy

Engaging in sexual activity while pregnant increases the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). STIs can spread by exchanging body fluids such as semen or vaginal fluid, or direct skin contact; and can result in serious illnesses and infertility as well as pass from mother to baby during labor and birth.

Abstinence or barrier protection are both effective ways of guarding against infection, pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Examples include condoms, internal condoms (also referred to as female condoms) and dental dams. Latex condoms offer superior protection; for ease of use they should fit over or inside your vagina - although this takes practice before becoming second nature - water-based lube can make this easier still.

Talking openly with your partner about sexual activity and your sexual history is essential in building trust, as well as discussing STD testing options. Some STIs can be treated using medication; others, like herpes and genital warts can spread through simple skin-to-skin contact.