What do you want from a relationship? It is up to you to get what you want. It's also
up to you to avoid getting what you don't want. If the relationship is one that might
involve sex, don't do it too soon. Make sure that both of you are ready for sex. Have
each other's consent and decide what you want in a sexual relationship.
Things to keep in mind:
Sex should be guilt-free. If either of you are feeling uncomfortable, wait.
Sex should be something you can talk about. If you can't talk about sex openly, STOP,
you're not ready. Issues such as protecting each other, likes and dislikes should
be discussed.
Sex too early in a relationship can actually prevent intimacy. Waiting builds intimacy
and deepens a relationship.
Sex in a relationship should be associated with pleasant things such as respect, trust,
love, happiness, and fulfillment, if these things are not present, you are not ready.
Sex is also associated with unpleasant things such as STI’s, a shallow relationship,
unplanned pregnancy, and feelings of guilt.
Relationships can be challenging and confusing. Getting what you want from sex and
relationships depends on you.
Communication is essential for a good relationship.
Talk to your partner effectively by listening and speaking honestly.
Talk openly about sex.
Discuss likes and dislikes.
Do you and your partner want the same commitment?
Always bring up what is bothering you.
Talk about protection.
Talk about your limits.
Share values that are important to you.
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) are infections transmitted through sexual contact
including vaginal, anal, or oral contact. Some can even be spread through skin to
skin contact. STI’s can cause many complications from lesions, pain, secondary infections,
infertility, and death.
In order to reduce your risk of contracting an STI practice the following prevention
methods:
Know that complete abstinence is the only 100% way to protect yourself.
Be monogamous in your relationship.
Always use a latex condom or some form of barrier method protection to significantly
reduce your risk of contraction of an STI.
Use only water-based lubricants.
Don't have sex if you're drunk, high or under the influence of any drugs.
Know the signs and symptoms of STI’s.
Know your status. Get tested.
Many times STI’s show no symptoms, so it is important to be checked if you are at
risk. View the list of symptoms for various STIs as it is provided by Mayo Clinic.
It is important to note that many STI’s have similar symptoms so testing for STI’s
on a regular basis is key to staying informed about your sexual health.
Common Sexually Transmitted Infections
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) are infections transmitted through sexual contact,
including vaginal, anal, or oral contact. It is possible to transmit an STI without
having symptoms of the infection. STIs can cause complications, including lesions,
pain, secondary infections, infertility, and death.
4 Types of sex that may expose you to an STI:
Oral Sex
Anal Sex
Vaginal Sex
Mutual Masturbation
Bacterial infection
Transmission: oral, anal, and vaginal sex and mutual masturbation (bodily fluids)
Symptoms: most people have no symptoms; may experience vaginal discharge, burning/pain with
urination, or itching
Treatment: can be treated with oral antibiotics
Bacterial infection
Transmission: oral, anal, and vaginal sex and mutual masturbation (bodily fluids)
Symptoms: often no symptoms; may experience burning with urination and abnormal discharge
Treatment: can be treated with oral antibiotics
Viral infection
Transmission: oral, anal, and vaginal sex and mutual masturbation (skin-to-skin)
Symptoms: may have no symptoms; HSV-1 symptoms include cold sores or fever blisters on the
mouth, HSV-2 symptoms include genital sores and blisters
Treatment: cannot be cured but symptoms can be managed with medication
Viral infection that can develop into AIDS if not treated
Transmission: oral, anal, and vaginal sex and mutual masturbation (bodily fluids)
Symptoms: may have no symptoms for years; symptoms include tiredness, fever, and aches
Treatment: cannot be cured but symptoms and progression of infection can be managed with medication
Viral infection
Transmission: oral, anal, and vaginal sex and mutual masturbation (skin-to-skin)
Symptoms: most people have no symptoms; may experience genital warts with some types, burning/pain
with urination, burning or itching
Treatment: no cure but will usually resolve on its own, treatment is available
Bacterial infection that spreads through the body
Transmission: oral, anal, and vaginal sex and mutual masturbation (skin-to-skin)
Symptoms: 3 stages of infection
Stage 1: painless chancre sore
Stage 2: temporary rash, lesions, or flu-like symptoms
Stage 3: without treatment, can cause blindness, heart or brain damage, or death
Treatment: can be treated with antibiotics but medication cannot undo any damage already done
prior to treatment
Parasitic infection; increases risk for other STDs
Transmission: vaginal sex
Symptoms: often no symptoms; may experience vaginal discharge, genital discomfort, burning
with urination, irritation of the penis