LET'S TALK ABOUT SEX! Face it, if you can't talk openly about sex with your partner, then you are not ready for it. Sex is a big step!! People try to play it off like it is no big deal, your friends tell you that it is nothing....But, how do you feel?

The first step to safe sex is being ready. This means that both partners must be comfortable with each other and consent.

Now that we have covered the basics, what about the complicated issues? CONDOMS, BIRTH CONTROL, STD's.....GROSS! But, you can't avoid the realities of having safe sex no matter how unromantic they are. Safe sex means confronting these subjects even if you turn 12 shades of red. Here are some steps to follow:

1. Decide on a method of birth control and STD protection.
2. Be firm with your partner about your choices for birth control, only compromise if you are comfortable with it.
3. Never have unprotected sex, even if you are in a steady relationship. It only takes one slip-up to have an STD for life.
4. Get tested together for STDs....SAFE is always better than SORRY!
5. If something goes wrong, DON'T PANIC! Talk to a parent, trusted adult or head of your local free clinic for an exam or consultation.