Loads of us find it difficult to talk about sexual health, but you have nothing to blush about; the doctor will have seen it a million times before. Practising safer sex and getting yourself down the GUM clinic for a check up is just common sense.

Protecting yourself means using a condom every time you have sex. They offer the best protection against STIs. In one test carried out, it prevented the spread of HIV amongst 123 couples where one partner was HIV positive.

What is safer sex?

• Use a condom with all new sexual partners, or if you're sexually active
• Know how to argue your case for using a condom - you may need some tips on 'condom negotiation' (get more information by going to the The Young Peoples' Sexual Health Website - see Links page)
• Show concern for your partner's health, comfort and pleasure
• Be open - talk about any STIs you've had or got and let them tell you
• Be direct - talk about your sexual needs and expectations
• If you and your partner are thinking about stopping using condoms (after all, you may not want to use a condoms forever), make sure you both get yourself screened
• If you or your partner has caught something, get yourself down the GUM clinic or Family Planning Clinic for a test and treatment
• Find out if your partner needs testing and treatment, too
• If you have an infection, complete any course of medication prescribed
• Keep control (and use a condom every time - see the message emerging?)
• It only takes one mistake to catch something nasty!
• Remember - you don't have to have full sex or an orgasm to get infected
• Eliminate fear by using a condom every time - this will make sex a whole lot more fun!

If you or your partner find you've got any of the symptoms in the genital area, get yourself down the quack's! Left too long, you'll be too late to be embarrassed.

Remember - tests and treatment for STIs are completely confidential, but it is up to you to make the first move.

Use a condom EVERY TIME!