To use safer sex guidelines, you need to understand what safer sex means. These questions will show you what you need to know.

7. The surest way to avoid getting HIV through sex is not to have sex at all.
True False

8. Monogamy (having only one partner) is safe. A monogamous partner does not share needles or have (unprotected) sex with anyone else - ever.
True False

9. Masturbating alone or with a partner is safe.
True False

10. If you are having sex, latex condoms provide the best protection against HIV.
True False

11. Condoms only come in one size.
True False

12. Condoms should be used for vaginal, oral and anal sex.
True False

13. Using a water based lubricant with a condom helps keep it from breaking.
True False

14. Oil-based lubricants (such as Vaseline, Crisco or hand cream) can cause a condom to break.
True False

15. When you unroll the condom on the erect penis, you should pinch the tip so it won't be pulled down too tight.
True False

16. The man should hold the condom at the base as he takes his penis out of his partner's body so no semen spills out.
True False

17. Condoms can last for several years.
True False

ANSWERS:
(1- True, 2- True, 3- True, 4- True, 5- False, 6- True, 7- True, 8- True, 9- True, 10- True, 11- False)

If you didn't miss any, congratulations! If you missed only one, you are well informed.

If you missed more than one, you should learn more about safer sex, because what you don't know can hurt you.

For more information, email Prevention/Education at THP.

These questions will help you look at your own behavior. Are you doing everything you can to make sure you are not exposed to HIV?

18. I will have sex only if my partner and I have talked and agreed to have safer sex.
Yes No

19. I will not have sex, no matter how appealing my partner is, unless we use a condom.
Yes No

20. I am comfortable using condoms and know how to use them correctly.
Yes No

21. I keep condoms in a convenient place so that I am prepared.
Yes No

22. I always make sure a condom is put on as soon as the penis is erect.
Yes No

23. I or my partner pinch the condom at the tip when unrolling it onto the erect penis.
Yes No

24. I never use an oil based lubricant (Vaseline, Crisco, hand lotion, massage oil) with a condom.
Yes No

25. I know how to have pleasurable sex without exchanging any blood, semen or vaginal fluids.
Yes No

26. I know that getting drunk or using drugs can affect my judgment and make me more likely to take risks.
Yes No

27. I understand all of the safer sex guidelines.
Yes No

Look at the questions you answered "no" to. These are your area of possible risk.

Your challenge is finding ways to change these habits to make sex safer. You may wish to contact one of the agencies below to learn more about HIV.

For more information, email Prevention/Education at THP.