Though engaging in sexual activities can be highly pleasurable, it is of the utmost importance that people be aware of the risks involved in engaging in sexual activities.  Because there is no type of physical sexual engagement that is completely free of any hazard, we can use the tools available to us and keep up with current information about STDs to practice safer sex. The rise of HIV/AIDS dramatically changed the scene and has heightened awareness of the importance of protecting ourselves and our partners. While your practices are completely of your own choosing, it is essential to understand all of the risk factors that you may be exposed to so that you can make informed decisions. 

The transfer of Sexually Transmitted Diseases, or STDs, is a real and shockingly common occurrence.  In fact, approximately half of us will contract a STD at some point in our lives.  The severity and long-term effects of STDs have a wide range, including fairly easily cured diseases such as crabs and reaching to horribly debilitating and life-threatening diseases such as HIV/AIDS.

New STDs will be discovered, and our understanding of older ones will continue to evolve, while new treatments will be developed. Keeping up to date is always a good idea, especially outside of a long-term monogamous relationship. Websites of highly respected organizations are a great source of current information. The Safer Sex page of the following websites is an excellent place to look for current Safer Sex information:

Planned Parenthood: http://www.plannedparenthood.org

The National Institutes of Health: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/

Health.com: http://www.health.com/health/