With all the talk about STDs and HIV, have you ever wondered about low risk sexual activities you and your partner can do and still stay intimate? As part of their “Sex How-To’s” Cosmopolitan recently published a “How Do I have Phone Sex” article. We have a few things we would like to add!

Many teens think that vaginal sex is the only way they can have fun in the bedroom with their partner.  This is totally not true because there are many different ways that people have sex with their boyfriend/girlfriend that are safe and fun!

So what exactly are safe-sex activities? They are basically kinds of sex that have lower risk of infections. They are activities that you and your partner can choose to do so they lower your risk of exchanging bodily fluids—fluids that likely spread STDs and other infections. 

 Can you name the 3 types of bodily fluids? (Answers are at the end)

 Phone sex or sexting are just two types of safe-sex activities.  Like regular sex, they are not something you should ever do if you are not ready. It is not something that you should feel pressured to do or even pressure someone else. In fact, check out these helpful tips before sending someone a sext.

 Check out these other low-risk sexual behaviors that are safe yet still pleasurable such as:

• Kissing, touching, or massage
• Masturbation
• Oral sex with protection (with female condomsor with male condoms)
• Using clean sex toys
• Manual stimulation of one another

 The important thing with all of these activities is to carefully evaluate the risks you and your partner want to take. Understand the risks and consequences of any activity before you do it!

 Answer: Semen, Blood, Vaginal Fluids