Safe Sex. Practice it. Why you ask? We got 2 good reasons for you:
1.) Protect yourself from STD’s and STI’s. Each year there are about 19 MILLION new Sexually Transmitted Diseases and Infections, and about half of those cases are in young people aged 15-24. In Hartford alone, there were 2,386 reported cases of Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, and Syphilis in 2009, and 960 people living with of HIV/AIDS. Many times people won’t show any symptoms of having an STD, so its important to protect yourself every time you have sex. Yeah, wearing a condom might not ‘feel as good’ but that burning sensation when you pee feels a whole lot worse.
2.) Unplanned pregnancy. Having a child before you are ready can be a huge struggle. Kids cost a ton of money, and will take up all of your time. Forget about hanging out with your friends, going to the mall, getting a full nights sleep, all of that. Hartford has the highest rate of teen pregnancies in the state, and is 6 times the national average, so if you’re a teen, and like living without a ton of responsibility, remember to protect yourself every time you have sex. Like Lil’ Wayne said. “Safe sex is great sex, better wear a latex/ Cuz you don’t want that late text, that I think I’m late text” – Lollipop Remix
Now, the best way to protect yourself against an unplanned pregnancy or an STD is to not have any kind of sex. This is the only 100% way to not get an STD or involved with an unplanned pregnancy, and there are a ton of ways to be intimate without having sex. However, if you are having sex, there are ways to reduce these risks. Use a condom every time you have sex. Male and Female condoms will greatly reduce the risk of STD’s and pregnancy. Know your own and your partner’s status. Both of you should get tested (check the clinics page for more information) before you start having sex, and if any accidents happen (condom breaks, or in the heat of the moment, you forget to use one) get yourself tested immediately after, and then again 6 weeks later (because some STD’s/STI’s don’t show up in tests for 6 weeks after infection)
Have fun out there, and most importantly, Be Safe!