1. Ideally stay with one partner whom you trust and is free from infection.

2. Reduce number of partners and take care with new ones. Remember a partner's personal appearance or state of hygiene is no indicator of their chance of carrying a sexually transmitted infection.

3. If getting close to someone new restrict sexual contact to heavy petting (mutual masturbation) where the genitals are touched and stimulated by the hand. Intact body skin is reasonably resistant to sexually transmitted infections.

4. Oral sex confined to licking the penis, vaginal area and anus is safer than sex involving penile penetration of the mouth, vagina or anus.  However there is still a risk of infection by herpes simplex virus which causes oral (cold sores) and genital ulcers, and also syphilis.  The risk can be reduced by using a dental dam (a sheet of latex) to cover the area being licked.

5. If having full penetrative sex with someone you cannot be  sure about then always use a condom.  The condom must be applied before there is any skin to skin contact between the penis and mouth, vaginal area, or anus. Although condoms are not 100% reliable they greatly reduce the transmission of all sexually transmitted infections. Most failures arise because of incorrect use rather than a fault with the condom. It is always wise to anticipate the possibility of meeting a new partner by carrying condoms with you. Make sure that the condom has a British kite mark and that the use by date has not expired.

6. For HIVinfection the riskiest types of unprotected sexual contact are shown in order:

• anal sex for the person receiving the penis
• vaginal sex for the woman receiving the penis
• insertive sex for the man inserting the penis into either the vagina or anus
• oral sex for someone receiving the penis into the mouth.  

7. If you are injecting drugs never use a needle, syringe or other injecting equipment that might have been used by someone else.  Always use new, sterile equipment on each occasion of drug injection.

8. If you develop any signs or symptoms that might suggest a sexually transmitted infection then seek medical advice either from GP or GUM clinic and do not have any intimate sexual contact with anyone until you have been screened. Follow the advice of the health care professional who will tell you when you can have sex again.

9. If you have run a risk or risks of infection it is wise to consider a check-up .  This can be arranged either by your GP or by attending a GUM clinic. Remember many infections which are sexually transmitted can be carried for months or years without showing any symptoms or signs. All sexually transmitted infections can be treated and most cured. Screening will not only protect you but also current and future partners and may also help previous ones.

10.   Sex is great and should be enjoyed.  In general people find it most satisfying with a partner they love and respect.  

 Keep it safe by following these top 10 tips