Abstinence- The act or practice of refraining from having sex. It is the only way to 100% avoid STD’s or pregnancy.

Birth Control Pill-Most birth control pills are "combination pills" containing a combination of the hormones estrogen and progesterone to prevent ovulation (the release of an egg during the monthly cycle). A woman cannot get pregnant if she doesn't ovulate because there is no egg to be fertilized. The Pill also works by thickening the mucus around the cervix, which makes it difficult for sperm to enter the uterus and reach any eggs that may have been released. The hormones in the Pill can also sometimes affect the lining of the uterus, making it difficult for an egg to attach to the wall of the uterus.

Condom-A latex sheath that is placed over the erect penis to protect against pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. They are 98.9% effective when used correctly.

Depo Provera-a long‑acting progestin (hormone) form of birth control. It is injected into the muscle every 11 weeks. It is effective 24 hours after your first injection if given in the first 5 days of a normal menstrual period. It inhibits the secretion of hormones that stimulate the ovaries. This prevents ovulation. It also thickens your cervical mucus to prevent the entrance of sperm into the uterus.With continuous use, there is less than a 1% chance of experiencing an accidental pregnancy.

Emergency contraception-Emergency contraceptives are methods of preventing pregnancy after unprotected sexual intercourse. Emergency contraception is often called "morning after contraception" or "the morning after pill" but these terms are misleading because emergency contraception can be used before the morning after or up to five days after.  Emergency contraceptives do not protect against sexually transmitted infections. Emergency contraception can be used when a condom breaks, after a sexual assault, or any time unprotected sexual intercourse occurs. They are not as effective as any ongoing contraceptive method.

Female Condom-The female condom is a polyurethane sheath with two rings, one which fits behind the pubic bone, like the diaphragm, and another which sits outside the vagina and covers the labia. It acts as a physical barrier to sperm and helps to prevent against STDs.

Gonorrhea-Gonorrhea is a curable sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by bacteria called Neisseria gonorrhoeae. These bacteria can infect the genital tract, mouth, and rectum of both men and women.

Hpv- There are over 100 HPV types. About 30 of these types are sexually transmitted and cause genital HPV. Genital HPV is spread through skin‑to‑skin contact, not through an exchange of bodily fluid. Genital HPV cannot be entirely prevented by condom use. This virus is often asymptomatic ‑‑ people usually don't know they have it. About 5.5 million new genital HPV cases occur each year ‑‑ this is about 1/3 of all new STD infections. About 20 million people ‑‑ men and women ‑‑ are thought to have an active HPV infection at any given time. Nearly three out of four Americans between the ages of 15 and 49 have been infected with genital HPV in their lifetime. HPV can be contracted from one partner, remain dormant, and then later be unknowingly transmitted to another sexual partner, including a spouse. Though usually harmless, some types cause cervical cancer if not detected in time.

Intra-uterine device- An Intrauterine Device (IUD) is a small object that is inserted through the cervix and placed in the uterus to prevent pregnancy. A small string hangs down from the IUD into the upper part of the vagina. The IUD is not noticeable during intercourse. IUDs can last 1‑10 years. They affect the movements of eggs and sperm to prevent fertilization. They also change the lining of the uterus and prevent implantation. IUDs are 99.2‑99.9% effective as birth control. They do not protect against sexually transmitted infections, including HIV/AIDS, and they can cause infertility.

Just in case!- Always keep a condom, dental dam,  or other birth control on hand so you will always be prepared just in case you need it.

Kissing- Herpes, Hepatitis B, and genital warts can be transmitted by kissing.

Lube- Approximately 2 ‑ 5 percent of condoms tear during use. The majority of these failures are caused by human error, which can include not using enough lube.               

Masturbation- Masturbation is erotic self pleasure. Since masturbation does not require a partner or anything other than your own body, it is always available as a way to explore and have orgasms.

Nuva Ring- is a flexible, contraceptive ring inserted into the vagina each month. It contains two types of hormones, estrogen and progestin (just like the pill), that prevent your ovaries from producing mature eggs. NuvaRing provides benefits similar to oral contraceptives, but without the daily pill‑taking routine.  

Oral Sex- Oral sex is defined as the act of sexual intimacy from mouth to penis (fellatio), mouth to vagina (cunnilingus) or mouth to anus.the risk still exists. You can get a bacterial infection of chlamydia, syphilis or gonorrhea in your mouth and/or throat, and in some rarer occasions, can develop genital warts in the mouth. Herpes is commonly passed between genitals and the mouth, and HIV can be passed through cuts in the mouth or small abrasions.

Protection- Different types of protection against STD’s include:The Male Condom , Oral Contraceptives, Intrauterine Device, The Female Condom, Depo‑Provera, Diaphragm, Contraceptive Sponge, The Patch (Ortho Evra), NuvaRing, Tubal Ligation or Vasectomy, Finger cots, latex gloves, or Emergency Contraception.                      

Question- It is a good idea to always question your partner about his/her sexual history and motives, and also to make sure you can trust and believe them before engaging in sex.

Rape- Rape is the act of forced penetration of any bodily orifice (vaginally, anally, or orally) or forced cunillingous, involving violation of the survivor's body and psychological person. The assault is accomplished by the use of force, the threat of force, or without force when the survivor is unable to physically or mentally give her or his consent (such as when intoxicated). It is the destruction of a feeling of control over one's body, life, and the course of events. Rape is an experience of violation, degradation, and humiliation.

Syphilis- Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. It has often been called “the great imitator” because so many of the signs and symptoms are indistinguishable from those of other diseases. Syphilis is passed from person to person through direct contact with a syphilis sore. Sores occur mainly on the external genitals, vagina, anus, or in the rectum. Sores also can occur on the lips and in the mouth. Transmission of the organism occurs during vaginal, anal, or oral sex.

Trichomoniasis- Trichomoniasis is a common sexually transmitted disease (STD) that affects both women and men, although symptoms are more common in women. Trichomoniasis is the most common curable STD in young, sexually active women. An estimated 7.4 million new cases occur each year in women and men. Trichomoniasis is caused by the single‑celled protozoan parasite, Trichomonas vaginalis. The vagina is the most common site of infection in women, and the urethra (urine canal) is the most common site of infection in men. The parasite is sexually transmitted through penis‑to‑vagina intercourse or vulva‑to‑vulva (the genital area outside the vagina) contact with an infected partner.