Safer Sex

With so many choices to help prevent disease transmission and unwanted pregnancy, it can be easy to protect yourself and your partners. Today, condoms come in many different shapes and sizes, male and female, lubricated or flavored, ribbed or smooth, latex, membrane and polyurethane. Latex squares are large, small, flavored, and unflavored. And lubes are available in multiple consistencies and flavors.

It's easy to purchase safer sex supplies including condoms, latex squares, latex gloves, lubes, etc. at Gannett's Pharmacy where caring health professionals can answer your questions and help you decide what might work best for you.

Then, if you are sexually active (or considering sexual activity), keep in mind other ways to reduce your risks:

• Talk to your partner. Know what you want and do not want sexually and find out what your partner wants and doesn't want.
• Talk to each other about past risks, possible exposures.
• Get tested for STI's before being intimate.
• Have supplies, carry them with you and have a plan for using them.
• Remember that alcohol and drug use can lead to unsafe sex.
• RESPECT YOURSELF!

Remember- if you are not ready to "go all the way" there are many pleasurable alternatives you can share with a partner.

• Kissing (if no cold sores are present).
• Cuddling
• Showering together with slippery soap.
• Sharing fantasies.
• Caressing, head to toe and back again.
• Mutual masturbation.