5 Steps to a Healthy Sex Life

• Use a condom every time you have sexual intercourse.
  1) Latex condoms offer the best protection against sexually transmitted infections for people having sexual intercourse.
• Talk with your partners before the heat of passion.
  1) Partners should care about each other and be interested in one another's pleasure, comfort, and health.
  2) Be open. Let your partner know your health concerns and sexual health history, and encourage your partner to be open, too.
  3) Be direct. Talk about your sexual needs and expectations.
  4) Be persistent. Don't let your partner remain silent on these issues.
• Keep medically fit.
  1) Have a checkup for sexually transmitted infections every year.
  2) Protect your immune system. Eat well, get enough rest, and limit your use of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs.
• If you think you or your partner has a sexually transmitted infection...
  1) See a clinician for testing, diagnosis, and treatment.
  2) Find out if your partner(s) need to be examined and treated, too.
  3) Use all the medication that is prescribed-symptoms often disappear before an infection is cured.
  4) Do not take anyone else's medicine, and do not share yours.
  5) Do not have sex until your infection is under control.
• Stay in charge.
  1) Alcohol and other drugs weaken good judgment and self-control. Don't let them jeopardize your self-control.