Sex education classes have taught teens that safe sex can easily prevent two “unwanted” effects of sexual intercourse. The first would be to avoid pregnancy, and the second to prevent the transmission of STDs. Although most educational institutions have stressed the importance of teaching safe sex to teenagers, it is mainly focused on vaginal sex. They have neglected to include oral sex, anal sex, and homosexual relationships. Teenagers now have evolved sexual relationships and orientations that it is just hard to keep up with them. Those who are much older might be as ignorant as these teens, but ignorance should never be used as an excuse not to use a condom.

There are only two possible ways to prevent pregnancy and infection from sexually transmitted diseases. Abstinence will always be the best option, but that may be a long shot for any normal, sexually active human being. The second is to use a condom. During the 1980’s, when HIV emerged, the Surgeon General proposed that these are the only two proven and effective ways to protect sexually active individuals against the deadly disease. To date no other form of safe sex practice, other than the two above mentioned, has efficiently eliminated the risk of contracting sexually transmitted viral and bacterial infections. Though some STDs are curable, they are nonetheless fatal if left untreated. Those that are untreatable, such as HIV, HPV and Herpes, will plague you for the rest of your remaining days. Prevention is always better than treating an infectious disease.

 Practicing safe sex should be a priority in sexual relationships. Monogamous relationships have lower risks, but nonetheless use of a condom should be practiced. Not only to avoid unwanted pregnancies, but also because STDs, like HIV, are transferred through bodily fluids. Those who have multiple partners should be aware of the risks they are putting themselves into, as well as for all of their partners, when engaging in unprotected sex. Although pleasure is a fundamental factor of sex, protection is also essential. The condoms out in the market provide protection as well as satisfaction, as they are now thinner and more sensitive. An example of such would be the Durex and Trojan condoms. 
 
You can never say when a person has a sexually transmitted disease, unless they are showing symptoms. Herpes, Gonorrhea, Syphilis and Chlamydia will display itself through sores on the genital area, itching or painful urination. Sometimes a physical examination is enough to determine if the sores on the genitals are symptoms of a certain STD. But this test is not as reliable as having blood work done. HIV, HPV and Hepatitis B & C carriers can remain clueless of their condition unless they have a blood test. If you plan to engage in a sexual relationship or are already in one; you and your partner should go and have yourselves tested first. If they decline, you have to ask yourself if your intended partner has your best interests at heart. Then you must decide if the relationship outweighs the risks involved in having unprotected sex.