Sexual Health Risks Checklist

Healthy sex involves knowing how to protect yourself and your partner from serious health problems, such as sexually transmitted diseases and infections (STIs) and unwanted pregnancy. It is important to stay informed and up-to-date on the latest information about disease prevention and birth control.

• Read books, pamphlets and brochures from your local health department or library.

• Check out the information on reputable health education web sites.

• Talk with your health care professional.

• Learn about risks, options, self-care exams, and alternatives.

And then, make wise decisions so that you can do all that is possible to minimize the risk of something negative resulting from your lovemaking.

To test your knowledge of health risks involved in sexual activity, read through the following HealthySex Risks Checklist. This list does not cover all the risks involved in sex. (See the Resources section for links to sexual health and education sites).

The HealthySex Health Risks Checklist

Everyone should know these facts, DO YOU?

___ 1. There is no method of contraception that is 100% effective.

___ 2. A woman who does not use any form of birth control has an 85% chance of getting pregnant within one year.

___ 3. For birth control methods to be effective, they must be used correctly and consistently.

___ 4. Taking medications, such as antibiotics, can reduce the effectiveness of birth control pills.

___ 5. When used correctly, condoms (rubbers) can greatly reduce the risk of pregnancy and STIs, such as herpes, gonorrhea, syphilis, chlamydia, hepatitis B, and AIDS.

___ 6. At least one in four Americans will have a sexually transmitted infection/disease (STI) at some time in their lives.

___ 7. Every day, over 35,000 Americans get an STI.

___ 8. STIs can be passed from one person to another through vaginal, anal or oral intercourse.

___ 9. Some STIs, such as syphilis and herpes, can be passed through kissing.

___ 10. Birth control pills and diaphragms do not protect against STIs.

___ 11. Though the likelihood of getting genital warts can be decreased by condom use, contagious warts may exist elsewhere (such as on buttocks, inner thighs, outer lips).

___ 12. Dental dams or plastic wrap need to be used in oral sex to prevent the transmission of STIs.

___ 13. For additional protection against pregnancy, latex condoms can be used in conjunction with a spermicide. (However, if a person is allergic to spermicide, the resulting irritation can increase the potential for infection).

___ 14. When using a latex condom it is very important that you DO NOT use an oil-based lubricant (such as massage oil, baby oil or vaseline). Oil can damage the latex very quickly destroying the condom. (Use water-based lubricants, such as Astroglide or Probe, instead).

___ 15. Many people with STIs, such as gonorrhea, HIV+, chlamydia, and herpes, show absolutely NO visible symptoms.

___ 16. Medical tests can determine if you or your partner have an STI.

___ 17. Some STIs can be easily treated and cured.

___ 18. Some STIs may stay in the system causing health problems or requiring medications forever.

___ 19. Some STIs, such as chlamydia and gonorrhea, can cause sterility in a man or a woman, rendering them unable to ever conceive a child.

___ 20. The more sexual partners you have the greater your risk of acquiring an STI.

Next: Sex and Trust Issues

Last reviewed: 10/05

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