Sex is a truly wonderful thing. It's physically pleasurable and also helps us to connect and share true intimacy with a partner. Sometimes though, it can get just a little bit too intimate and you can end up getting far more than you bargained for. STD's and unwanted pregnancies are not on anyone's wish list and contrary to what some people may think, yes it can definitely happen to you.

Learning how to practice safe sex is an imperative step everyone needs to take before engaging in any sexual activity. It can make all the difference between enjoying sex in a positive and fully satisfying light, to dealing with some very regrettable consequences.

STI Prevention and unwanted pregnancies start with having safe sex right from the very start of your sexual life and should always continue through on your sexual journey. By preventing yourself from coming in to contact with anyone else's blood, semen, vaginal fluids or even breast milk will protect against sexually transmitted diseases (vaginal, oral or anal.) Some of which are easily treatable and some which are unfortunately incurable. Learn how to practice safe sex right from the very beginning to ensure you have a happy and fulfilling sex life.

When learning how to have safe sex, your first and new mantra should always be to use a condom. They are so commonly used that if anyone ever suggests that you don't use one then you seriously need to think why. No matter how long you have know them for, if they are asking you not to use a condom then it's more than likely that they asked their previous partner not to use one and will probably ask their next partner not to use one as well. Make a wise decision because no one can look after your body except for you, and you only get one.

How To Use A Condom

1. Use care when opening the packet as not to tear or catch the condom with your fingers.

2. The condom should be held at the teat and then rolled on to the penis. Never open a condom out and then try to put it on. If you don't have success getting it on the first time, throw it away and use a new one.

3. Watch or help your partner put it on. Ensure that he does it properly and don't accept it as good to go if you feel that he hasn't done it correctly. This includes checking the expiry date on the packet and ensuring the condom has been left in a cool dry place as heat can damage the condom.

4. Make sure he puts it on fully and you are happy with the result. If he is flippant with his application the condom can slip off and usually that means inside you. It's not fun retrieving a condom from depths of your vagina, and while it can happen even when it has been placed on properly, try to prevent this by making he sure it's done correctly in the first place.

5. If you are using lubricant (common for couples during vaginal sex and essential for anal sex) only purchase a water soluble lubricant. These are also inexpensive and readily available. Lubricant makes sex more comfortable but it also helps to prevent too much friction that can result in the condom breaking or tearing. Never use Vaseline or anything else you may have handy around the house. Not only can they cause you irritation, these products compromise the strength of the condom and can cause them to tear.

6. Don't let the penis be in contact with the vagina before the condom is on. Also, the penis should be withdrawn immediately after ejaculation with your partner holding the rim of the condom to stop any spillage. Take care to then slip the condom off.

7. Only ever use a condom once.

Preventing sexually transmitted diseases or pregnancy is as easy as using a condom but although they are so widely used and mostly successful, the only way to truly protect yourself from getting an STD is to abstain from sex all together. Of course, this is not an option or a lifestyle for most people but knowing this should always make you vigilant to in protecting yourself and your partner.