6 Things Gay Teens Need to Know About Safe Sex

Safer sex refers to things we do to lower the chances of contracting a sexually transmitted infection (STD or STI) during sex. Most health professionals don't use the term "safe sex" because, aside from not having sex, nothing will provide 100% protection from infections.

Oral sex is considered a lower risk activity for STDs than are anal and vaginal sex. Even so, it is still possible to get an STD whether you are giving or getting oral sex. So using a condom on a penis or a dam on a vulva or anus is a really good idea.

We all know how important it is to use a condom. Condoms offer really good protection from infections, including HIV. It is a good idea to use a condom any time you have anal, oral, or vaginal intercourse.

Did you know you could get STDs from oral sex? Luckily, you can reduce your risk by using a "dental" dam. Few people use actual dental dams any more, (there was a time when this was the only option) but the name has stuck.

The word "celibate" means a person who abstains from sexual relations. Sometimes people use the word, "abstinent" in the same way, however, people can choose to abstain (or not participate) in a lot of different things. Celibacy, on the other hand, always refers to sex. But whatever you call it, not having a sexual relationship with another person, is a really way to keep yourself safe from STDs.

Here's something to think about: gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender teens who have low self esteem are less likely to practice safe sex than are those who feel good about themselves. You can know all there is to know about condoms and dams, but if you don't think you are worth protecting, it is less likely that you will require a partner to use these barriers.