1. ABSTINENCE – That is, showing affection without having sex.  This is the only guaranteed prevention method against STDs and unwanted pregnancy.  There’s also an emotional toll that sex has on you, and it's harder to deal with before you are ready physically and mentally.  You can show your love for someone without sleeping with them.

2. MONOGAMY – If you decide to have sex (which plenty people do), make sure it is with someone you love and who loves you.  Having sex with one person is much safer than sleeping with many. When you sleep with a person, you are also sleeping with everyone else they have slept with (so to speak). Unless you both have been tested and are clean, you have no idea if previous partners were as well.  When you aren't monogamous, the risks rise very quickly.

3. RELIABILITY – Don't make the mistake of judging whether a sexual partner is STD-free by how clean, good-looking, well brought up, or nice she appears. The only way to know for sure is to get tested together…a partner who cares about you will be more than willing to do this with you. Better safe than sorry.

4. AIDS RISK – Do not depend on a contraceptive pill or an IUD (intra-uterine device – a metal or plastic diaphragm) to protect you against AIDS…none of them can. Abstinence is the only guaranteed prevention, but condoms are a safe second!

5. PROTECTION – always, always, ALWAYS use a condom (with spermicidal lubricant for extra protection) for any kind of sexual intercourse. This includes oral sex.

6. SPERMICIDE – Spermicide is an extra safeguard against unwanted pregnancy. Use birth control foam, cream or jelly in addition to the condom. This little extra step is a big one in terms of prevention.

7. NO SEX, DRUGS AND ROCK & ROLL – This may all seem very glamorous but it is best to avoid having sex, even if it is consensual, when you are under the influence of a mind-altering substance (the rock and roll is ok). Being drunk or high makes you less capable of using good judgment and you might slip up and not use a condom. Your life, in terms of your health, depends of your ability to follow safer sex strategies and being wasted doesn't help you do that.