To make sex safer for you, you need to think carefully about the risks you face and take sensible steps to reduce them. These risks may change as your relationships and your lifestyle change.

Think about situations when the risks could be greater. For example:

• Take condoms with you on holiday, even if you don’t expect to need them; and
• Watch out for alcohol and drugs - they can change the way you behave and can affect the decisions you make about what is safe. You could end up doing something you regret later.

Condom talk

Many of us find it difficult to suggest using a condom with our partner. But once you have decided to have sex, the earlier you discuss it, the less likely you are to get carried away and end up not using any protection.

Try to get round to talking about safer sex. You can then let your partner know what you think and see how they feel too. You could be pleasantly surprised. Your partner may find it just as difficult to talk about it and would welcome your lead.

Many women carry their own condoms. If you are prepared it doesn’t mean you are planning to sleep around – it is a responsible thing to do and shows you take your sexual health seriously.